Liddard wants 'devastating' win in first defence
Unbeaten George Liddard has promised a "devastating" performance when he defends his British and Commonwealth middleweight belts for the first time.
The 23-year-old will take on Tyler Denny at London's Copper Box Arena on 21 March and says he already has "itchy knuckles".
Billericay boxer Liddard won the titles by stopping Kieron Conway in the 10th round last October, and improving his record since turning pro to 13-0.
"March 21st can't come soon enough, I was saying to my team 'let's get a fight sorted asap' – there's only so long you can wait and now is the perfect time," he told BBC Essex.
"One step at a time, but this wasn't the end goal for me, this is only the beginning. I'm still hungry for more.
"I like a few weeks off, but too long off isn't good for me. I like routine, I'm a creature of habit. I like to be training, to keep my mind sharp and my body strong, so I was glad to get this fight date."
The 12-round contest against former European champion Denny, who has won 21 of his 27 fights, will top a seven-fight card.
And Liddard believes he will be "bringing a lot more to the table" against a more experienced opponent, who is 11 years his senior.
"I've gone from a boy to a man in the last few fights and, fight on fight, you're going to see a better and better George Liddard – better every time," he said.
"Tyler's a good opponent. He can be awkward, he's caused a lot of good fighters some problems so I'm not taking anything for granted but I will get the job done on March 21st in devastating fashion.
"If I can make Copper Box my fortress for a bit, then we get the big world title (fight) hopefully at a London stadium.
"Give me 18 months and I'll be standing here world champion."
Liddard said that unlike many fighters, he has not come from a poor background, but had the drive and determination to succeed in his ring career.
"I think that shows it doesn't matter where you come from, who you are, if you've got something in you and you really work for it, you can find a way in life and do big things," he added.
"That's a message to everyone, no matter where you've come from, no matter who you are now, it's about who you wake up as tomorrow morning (that counts)."
George Liddard was speaking to BBC Essex's Sonia Watson
