THE British middleweight division could be on the verge of a new era after tonight.
Kieron Conway defends his Lonsdale Belt against fast-rising George Liddard on Matchroom’s York Hall show, a venue that has seen more than its share of domestic classics.
Conway, 29, has already tested himself at fringe world level against Souleymane Cissokho and Austin Williams and may vacate the belt should he turn back Liddard’s challenge.
They’re joined on the bill by fellow middleweights Jimmy Sains, Troy Coleman and Emmanuel Buttigieg, part of a packed domestic scene ready to catch fire. With prospects and contenders such as Aston Brown, Ioan Croft, Sam Hickey and Aaron Bowen waiting in line, the British 160lbs picture could look very different come 2026.
Boxing News spoke to two of those hopefuls – Brown and Coleman – to get their take on tonight’s main event.
“It’s a real 50-50 fight but I’m swaying towards a Liddard points win in a real competitive back-and-forth fight. Can see it being a cracker. I want the winner in 2026,” said Brown (9-0, 4 KOs).
The 34-year-old Scottish champion remains unbeaten in nine fights and continues to show flashes of the talent that once earned him a spot in the Team GB setup and the respect of those around him.
Coleman, 14-3-1 (6 KOs), has done a lot of his rounds overseas, boxing in Thailand, Dubai and Australia. The Midlands Area champion could move closer to a British title shot if he secures the English strap against Sains tonight.
“It’s a good fight but I’m going for Conway on points or by late stoppage,” Coleman said. “Simply, I think Kieron is the better all-round fighter and has mixed and proved himself at a much higher level.”
