He boxed well before adding more hardware to his ledger, forcing Italy's Dario Morello into retiring after eight rounds of their vacant European title contest at London's Copper Box Arena.

Liddard (15-0, 9 KOs) was an accomplished amateur but he didn't bring an Olympic or world championship medal to the negotiating table when turning professional in November 2022.

The 24-year-old from Billericay has worked hard, developing into one of Britain's brightest hopes while being a confident, charismatic character to boot.

Last October, Matchroom gave Liddard the chance to headline his own show and he responded with a 10th-round stoppage of Kieron Conway to win the British title. He followed that scalp with an exciting, hard-fought win over the respected Tyler Denny and dismantled the outgunned Morello.

Liddard has come a long way quickly but has no plans to consolidate his position.

"I believe that when I first was coming up in this sport as a prospect, my name was always pushed to the back but if anything, that has pushed me harder to get my flowers and I feel like now, I'm finally getting that," he said during his post-fight interview.

"I'm proving why [I deserve it] ... if it's a trip across the pond to go beat some American over there, I'm up for it. If we go to Monaco to beat some French or another European fighter, I'm up for it. I'll fight anyone. Anytime, any place, anywhere, they can get it."

Liddard could undoubtedly do with a little extra seasoning before stepping up to world level but, of all of boxing's weight divisions, the 160-pound class does offer early opportunities for advancement. Champions aside, the division is relatively thin and he may well only be one or two meaningful wins from a title shot.

Newly crowned WBO titleholder Denzel Bentley (22-3-1, 18 KOs) was ringside supporting his gym mate PA Gordon in his undercard fight with Emmanuel Buttigieg and is expected to soon announce his first title defense.

The explosive Bentley would represent a massive step up from the likes of Morello but Liddard wouldn't hesitate to agree.

"Let's do it, man. I'll fight anyone. I told you this. He's got a world title. He can get it," he said.

"Me and him have shared many rounds over the years. I've got a lot of respect for Denzel, he's a good fighter ... I just believe I'm the best at 160 and I've got to prove that."