British boxing finds itself at a tricky crossroads.

A generation of fighters who have filled arenas and represented Britain on the world stage for years are coming towards the end of their careers and the search is on for new names who might be capable of stepping into their shoes.

George Liddard is still some way away from carrying a major Saturday night event but the 22 year-old middleweight from Billericay has begun to elbow his way closer to the top of the list of men most likely.

This time last year, Liddard, 11-0 (6 KOs), was just one of a large number of unbeaten young fighters hoping that they could break through. He has quickly developed into one of Britain’s most interesting prospects.

With Chris Eubank Jr only interested in the most high profile fights available and Hamzah Sheeraz and Denzel Bentley departing the domestic 160lb scene to chase world honours, Liddard has recognised that there is a real opening for a young, exciting fighter to grab the glamorous division by the scruff of the neck.

“You are speaking to him,” Liddard told The Ring with a laugh.

“I do think there is a gap In the middleweight division at the minute for some big domestic fights. We've seen a couple as of recent, but I just don't think the buzz has been there like it should be.

“I might be biased, but I think middle and super middle are some of the best weights in boxing because you've got that speed but you've also got that one-punch power, where the fight can be changed in one punch.

“I think there's definitely big nights to be had and if you're looking for a shining star to come through and take over at middle, I'll put my hand in the air.”

The happy go lucky Liddard has grasped that - these days - it takes more than a winning record to make a lasting impression.

Every fighter has their own way of creating a fanbase or building their profile. Some scream and shout at press conferences, some stick their face in front of every camera they can find whilst others tap into their local community and football team fanbases.

Liddard is trading on authenticity.

It would be difficult to find another fighter who looks as happy in their work and fans are beginning to buy into his journey.

This January, Liddard’s promoters, Matchroom, decided to reward his progress and make his fight with Derrick Osaze the headline attraction of a Next Gen show at London’s indigo at the O2. He justified their faith by battling his way to an exciting, career best ten round win over the tough former British title challenger.

Liddard is selling tickets, staying busy and visible and enjoying success in the ring. Things are definitely moving in the right direction.

“I love this game. I've sacrificed so much of my life since I was a young lad, dreaming of being a professional boxer and dreaming of nights like I've had so far,” he said.

“This is just the beginning. I'm just excited for the big nights.

“I'm in boxing to box. I love fighting but nowadays, there's definitely an image to fighters.

“You see the big names. They've all got a big profile and a big image and I think that's obviously important today..

“You've got to excite people, right? You've got to get the crowd and the people that are coming to support you excited so I think you're going to see more and more big images and big personas coming through. I like to just stay true to me.

“I’ve not had anyone kind of try to get inside of my head or anything yet. I'm excited for when that day comes, when there's a bit of maybe a back and forth. I don't start the trouble when it comes to the speaking. If it comes my way, I'm ready for it but I like to do my talking in the ring.”

These days it is taken for granted that young fighters will step straight out of an amateur gym and seamlessly into life as a professional.

Whilst fans tend to focus every ounce of their attention on what happens when a boxer ducks between the ropes every few months, they tend to overlook the whole range of worries and pressures a young fighter has to get used to in the months after turning over.

As well as the physical day to day grind of training, there is the need to sell tickets and justify their spot on shows. Once fight night does arrive, they are expected to pass every test with flying colours.

From the outside it looks like the weight has steadily lifted from Liddard’s shoulders. It is no coincidence that his performances have improved as a result.

“I think there was a bit of a switch after my sixth fight in Vegas,” he said.

“I feel I had a bit of a bad performance [Liddard outpointed previously undefeated Andrew Buchanan over six rounds]. After that, I won't lie, I was questioning whether I had the ability. I had a couple of, in my opinion, flat performances back-to-back and I feel like in that next camp, I turned from a boy to a man.

“Vegas was a tough one. I spent a month away from home, away from family, away from my partner. I was only 20 years old at the time so, it was a big, big thing for me. Looking back at it, the cliché is it turned me from a boy to a man. I think fight on fight after that, I've definitely relaxed into being a pro.

“I embrace it now. I really enjoy every part of being a professional boxer. I'm sure some mornings you might catch me and not think that when we're deep in camps but truly, this is what I believe I was destined to do. I believe I was destined to be a big name in this sport.”