The 24-year-old Billericay puncher was put through his paces over 12 bruising rounds with Tyler Denny on March 21 in his first British middleweight title defense.

Reflecting on the performance that night, he accepted needing that experience. It would've been easy to fall into the trap of comparison, given how Hamzah Sheeraz effortlessly dismantled Denny 18 months earlier, but styles make fights.

Denny (21-5-3, 1 KO) gave Zuffa-backed contender Callum Walsh all he could handle on August 8. Given the Irishman's deficiencies, there's a growing skepticism among some that Liddard (14-0, 8 KOs) similarly isn't yet ready for the uber-elite in a weakened division.

He's aware of such chatter but takes it in stride.

"It's a common theme being main event, I'm getting used to this now and every test I've been given, I've passed," Liddard said during Thursday's final press conference.

After a 10-round points win over Derrick Osaze topped Matchroom's NXTGN card in January 2025, he will be making his third consecutive main event appearance this weekend at the Copper Box Arena.

Liddard-Morello will be streamed exclusively live on DAZN, with the four-fight main card at 7 p.m. BST and 2 p.m. EST after Pat McCormack's injury withdrawal.

"I've never said no to nobody, always performed, talking the talk and walking the walk, consistently proving I'm capable. Let's go pick up the European title and then push onto world honors. I'm obssessed with being the best, standing opposite me is a very scary place for you, I promise," Liddard continued.

Italy's Morello (26-1, 4 KOs) had already boxed 21 times before Liddard made his professional debut in November 2022, with steady but unspectacular opposition on the 33-year-old's resume since then.

Based in Bergamo, the "Spartan" travels overseas for the first time since ending his welterweight campaign with mixed success as an amateur in 2015.

Having similarly gone the 12-round distance for the first time in his last outing, a gritty points win over Faton Vukshinaj in November, he's unimpressed with Liddard's attitude.

"It means everything [to have this opportunity]. I've worked a lot for this moment, all my life, so I have to take it. 33 years old, mature and trained enough, I want this [European] title and will take it. None of your opponents were me, we'll see. You're talking like a neanderthal, I'm even more confident."

After exchanging messages before fight week, Liddard took pleasure in visibly seeing Morello's mood darken now they were days away.

Following Tuesday's fiery first face-off at Matchroom HQ, the visitor isn't pleased with Liddard's perceived exuberance and believes he'll take him to deep waters within three or four rounds. Only time will tell.