Middleweight duo back Hammers to box clever and win promotion at first attempt

Boxing stars George Liddard and Jimmy Sains are backing West Ham to fight their way back into the Premier League at the first attempt.

The middleweight duo, who will both be in action live on DAZN on August 22, were devastated when their beloved Hammers were relegated on the final day of last season.

But they are confident that Nuno Espirito Santo’s men can make an immediate return, despite acknowledging how tough life can be in the Championship.

Speaking exclusively to DAZN News, Liddard said: “It's automatic promotion by any means. I'd like us to win the title but we just need to go back up — there’s no dilly-dallying.

“We have to win consistently and we have to go up. That's how I see it. Forget the FA Cup, forget the League Cup, we need automatic promotion.

“We need to get back to the Prem and hopefully back to the European glory nights we enjoyed not too long ago.

“It’s a new season, a new start. Fingers crossed we'll get back into the Prem.”

Unbeaten Liddard, 24, tops the bill at London’s iconic York Hall later this month when he faces Dario Morello for the vacant European title.

Before he steps into the ring that night, gym-mate Sains has the opportunity to get his hands on the vacant Commonwealth belt by beating Tom Cowling.

While the good friends have been training hard under the watchful eye of fellow West Ham fan Tony Sims, they were able to take time out on Saturday to watch the Hammers beat Portsmouth 3-1 in the Carabao Cup.

A bumper crowd of 53,369 packed into the London Stadium for the tie, smashing the all-time first-round attendance for the competition.

With that level of support it is little wonder the Hammers are among the favourites to dominate the Championship.

Like Liddard, undefeated Sains is desperate to see his team back in the top flight. He told DAZN News: “I was gutted [when we went down], especially as Tottenham came 17th.

“But I think we can regroup. With the squad, the players we've kept, I believe we should go straight back up

“I think we'll have a good season and we'll be back in the Premier League next year.”

While Sains, 25, picked the sweet science as his sport, football talent runs deep in the family.

Younger brother Bobby recently signed his first pro deal with Ipswich — and there is a friendly competitive streak between him and the 18-year-old midfielder.

With a smile on his face, Sains added: “He wasn't too bad at boxing but he loves football. I don't let him beat me — he can only beat me at football.

"Last time we ran was probably last year on holiday and I beat him every time. He's a lot bigger now, so I wouldn't really want to do it again. He's getting fitter and stronger, so it could be close now.”

How to watch the Premier League in Canada

Soccer fans in Canada can watch every Premier League match during the 2026-27 season on DAZN.

With Fubo Sports on DAZN, Canadians can catch Premier League and Serie A action. Additionally, DAZN is the home of the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, Bundesliga, and more.

For pricing information and to sign up to watch, click here.