GEORGE LIDDARD CHALLENGES MICHEL SORO FOR WORLD TITLE

It will be a December to remember as George Liddard challenges for his first World Title on one of boxing’s most prestigious nights when he meets Michel Soro for the IBO World Middleweight Championship at Monte-Carlo Showdown VII on Saturday, December 12 – live worldwide on DAZN.

Promoted by Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing in partnership with Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer, the stunning Salle des Étoiles at Sporting Monte-Carlo hosts a defining evening for the 24-year-old Essex fighter, whose rapid rise through the Middleweight ranks has brought him to the brink of world honours.

Standing in his way is Soro, the experienced Frenchman who reclaimed a World Title back in June and now prepares to defend it against one of Britain’s most promising young fighters.

And, just 24 hours after Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury’s blockbuster clash in Cardiff, an action-packed undercard in Monaco promises to deliver another early festive treat for fight fans.

Britain’s Josh Padley takes on Spain’s Moussa Gholam for the WBA Interim World Super Featherweight Title, with the Yorkshireman chasing another major milestone in a career that has taken a remarkable route from being a former electrician to lighting up the world stage.

Fresh from his Matchroom Boxing debut in Los Angeles on November 14, meanwhile, UK Heavyweight sensation David Adeleye makes a quick return to action.

Rising Heavyweight wonderkid Leo Atang will light up Monte-Carlo too after he fights first in Sheffield next week on October 24. The 19-year-old’s visit to Monaco represents his third international outing, having shone previously on the road in Ghana last December and in July, where he produced a scintillating second-round stoppage over Glen Williams on his US debut.

And a mouthwatering, all-British shootout between Yorkshire rivals Ishmael Davis and Junaid Boston awaits with Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn declaring Monte-Carlo Showdown VII as one of the most exciting cards of the year.

“This fight night is always one of the highlights on our calendar, and this brilliant card certainly doesn’t disappoint,” said Hearn.

“Over the years we have been treated to the likes of Dmitry Bivol, Gennady Golovkin, Joe Cordina, Zhilei Zhang and Derek Chisora. Now George Liddard has a golden opportunity to etch his name into history when he takes on a very tough Michel Soro for the IBO crown.

“Josh Padley has enjoyed a remarkable rise too, and he now faces a career-defining night as he fights for an Interim World Title.

“Bostan vs Davis will be a real humdinger of a fight. And, less than 24 hours after the Battle of Britain in Cardiff between AJ and Fury, we get to witness two of the country’s most promising Heavyweights light up the Principality as David Adeleye and Leo Atang underline why they are ones to watch.”

Ranked in the top 10 by The Ring, Liddard (15-0, 9 KOs) has built an unbeaten record with a series of statement performances.

The Tony Sims-trained man claimed the vacant European Middleweight title back in August with an impressive eighth-round stoppage over Dario Morello, adding to the British and Commonwealth titles he won by stopping Kieron Conway in the tenth round in October 2025, before a successful points victory defence over Tyler Denny last March.

Yet France’s evergreen Soro represents a significant step up as Liddard looks to convert domestic and European success into a World Championship.

Soro brings more than 17 years of professional experience to the contest. Born in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, and raised in France, the seasoned contender has competed at Super Welterweight and Middleweight, challenging Brian Castaño for the interim WBA Super Welterweight title in 2017 before facing Israil Madrimov twice in 2021 and 2022.

In June, Soro celebrated a crowning glory in his birth city of Abidjan, stopping Hassan Mwakinyo in the ninth round to claim the IBO World Middleweight Title.

However, Liddard is confident he will prise the belt away from Soro and enjoy a triumphant away day.

“These are the fights I have looked forward to throughout my career,” said Liddard.

“I am putting everything on the line in such a prestigious place.

“This is ‘The Monaco Job’, and I’m coming back home to Britain with the win and that IBO strap.”

Hotel and fight-ticket packages are sold out – but last remaining tickets are available to purchase now at matchroomboxing.com, priced at £200 and £400.

The full fight week schedule is set to be announced in due course.