George Liddard vs Dario Morello: The Breakdown

Originally posted on Fights Around The World
By Lucas Ketelle | Last updated Aug 19, 2026 2:26 PM ET

When George Liddard faces Dario Morello (26-1, 4 KOs) on Saturday at the Copper Box Arena in England, what is at stake?

Liddard (14-0, 8 KOs), a middleweight contender promoted by Matchroom Boxing, is rising up the ranks but continues to be featured as a domestic-level attraction. His last two wins over Tyler Denny and his stoppage of Kieron Conway show potential.

Let’s break down what you should know about this card.

George Liddard: How Good Is He?

Looking at his BoxRec rating (the one I go by), he is No. 24 in the world; for perspective, pretty much every world-class title contender is ranked ahead of him. Liddard is getting to the point where he is facing the likes of Austin “Ammo” Williams or Vito Mielnicki Jr. He is at that “Step-your-game-up” point in your career.

Liddard does everything well, but, like many prospects, nothing about him jumps off the page. He doesn’t have blazing hand speed, he doesn’t have one-punch power at the highest level of the sport, and his technique is not that of Guillermo Rigondeaux. He appears to be a hard worker who doesn’t look like a domestic fighter. He has skills that seem to translate to the next level, but the traditional point where some get exposed is the leap from contender to title challenger.

Dario Morello: A Lateral Step

Having fought his entire career in Italy and having suffered a loss seven years ago to a now-retired Luther Clay, Morello seems to signal a quality but not dangerous opponent. In short, he is a professional who will come to win, but the 24-year-old Liddard should have every advantage in this fight.

So you might ask yourself: Why is it happening? My answer: ring time.

Liddard has only fought 74 rounds as a pro. That matters. This is a way for him to develop and, in the not-so-distant future, roll the dice against fighters like Denzel Bentley or Chris Eubank Jr. for a British bout. If not, try his hand against other names on the Matchroom Boxing roster.

What Does The Eye Test Say?

Liddard is too skilled and will defeat Morello.

What Do The Odds Say?

Liddard is a healthy favorite.

What Else Should You Know

Jimmy Sains vs. Tom Cowling

Jimmy Sains is one of the most enjoyable middleweights in the world. He is all action. He is not a scientist, but does that matter? Tom Cowling upset prospect Aaron Bowen and is now rolling the dice, facing a very limited Sains.

This is the type of fight that could steal the show. Sains can look to put himself in position for a bigger fight, and Cowling can perhaps find a path to a title with a win. This is the fight I have circled to watch this week.

Tiah Mai Ayton

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Last year, Ayton turned pro. The women’s bantamweight won four fights, all by stoppage. This year, she moved up to junior featherweight and had a very hard fight with Catherine Ramos. Since then, she stopped Stevi Levy, but it appears the 19-year-old Ayton’s competition was pulled back a bit after the close call. Her opponent, Ellie Hellewell, has one loss to Tysie Gallagher and is a southpaw. This is a big test for the one they call “Star Girl” after a hard start to the year.

This article first appeared on Fights Around The World and was syndicated with permission.

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