Hammer time: Fighters and footballers unite in East London community session

Fight week in London didn’t begin under the lights of the Copper Box Arena, but out on the 3G pitch at The Foundry – West Ham United Foundation’s transformational community hub in the heart of East London.

Just days out from a huge night on home soil, George Liddard, Jimmy Sains and Connor Mitchell stepped away from final preparations to spend time with young people involved in programmes tackling some of the most pressing challenges facing the area.

They were joined by West Ham United goalkeeper Alphonse Areola and Club Ambassador Anton Ferdinand, both closely connected to the Foundation’s work and keen to support a session built around engagement, conversation and shared experience.

Delivered in partnership with Box Up Crime and the Beyond Food Foundation, the session blended boxing, football and life skills into a hands-on afternoon.

Pad work, fitness drills and group activities gave the session its structure, but it was the time spent in between that mattered just as much – small conversations, words of advice and a chance for the young people to ask questions and be heard.

There was a natural ease to it. The fighters and players weren’t there to perform, just to be present and contribute in a way that felt genuine.

That carried through as the group moved inside to the E6 Kitchen, where Beyond Food Foundation hosted a nutrition workshop focused on fuelling both body and mind.

Participants and athletes cooked together, with conversations shifting towards habits, preparation and the importance of looking after yourself properly – whether that’s ahead of a fight, a match, or everyday life.

For George Liddard, the day meant something more than just another appearance during fight week. Reflecting on the session, he spoke about the responsibility that comes with being in a position to give something back to a community he feels part of.

“I grew up with West Ham birthday cakes, West Ham gifts… stocking fillers were always West Ham gear,” said the British and Commonwealth Middleweight champion.

“I think boxing should be taught in schools, if I’m honest, when you grow up in a boxing gym, you learn to respect your elders and those around you,” he continued.

“To come down here and be someone these kids can look up to, it means the world to me. West Ham’s a family – it’s not just a club you support.”

That same sense of connection came through in Connor Mitchell’s observations. With his family rooted in the club and his own journey starting in football before shifting to boxing, his story felt close to home for many in the group.

“My whole family supports West Ham, so since I was a baby that’s all I’ve ever known,” explained Mitchell.

“My dad boxed for West Ham Boxing Club and he was the only fighter to headline a card at the Boleyn Ground. I was actually on trial for West Ham as a kid and I started boxing for a bit of strength, just because I was small, getting pushed off the ball a lot,” he continued.

“We’re all West Ham supporters and hopefully one day we’ll be fighting at the London Stadium.”

Jimmy Sains, too, spoke from a place of deep personal connection, shaped by generations of family ties to the club and the area.

“West Ham’s in my blood, my nan’s grandad played for Thames Ironwork, my dad played for West Ham and my brother too,” detailed Sains.

“It’s great to be here today because I always try to give back to the community and I often go back to amateur clubs and local gyms,” he added.

“I think everyone should be taught some sort of boxing in their life because it gives you discipline and routine.”

At the centre of the session sat one of London’s most impactful grassroots initiatives.

Box Up Crime works with young people at risk of involvement in crime and violence, using non-contact boxing as a way in. From there, the support goes much further – mentoring, education and guidance that helps build structure, trust and a sense of direction over time.

Delivered in schools and community settings across the capital, their programmes create safe, consistent spaces where young people can engage, be heard and begin to see different pathways for themselves. The focus isn’t just on activity, but on relationships – with credible role models who understand the environments they’re coming from.

It’s work that is local, consistent and relationship-driven, meeting young people where they are and supporting them to move forward with greater confidence and purpose.

From within the game, Alphonse Areola spoke about the value of creating these kinds of moments – especially for young people who may not always have access to them.

“Different gloves! It’s always good to meet new people and inspire as well,” beamed the World Cup winner.

“We’re here to help young kids follow their dreams and reach their objectives. Sport is great for discipline – sometimes you’re not always in a great place, but it can really help.”

For Anton Ferdinand, who has long been involved in community work across East London, it was about recognition for the fighters and what it meant to see them giving up their time during a busy fight week.

“It’s been fantastic to be around George, Jimmy and Connor, three top prospects and top fighters doing really well for us as a country,” said Ferdinand.

“For them to give their time on fight week to come to show love not only to the Foundation and the Club, but to Box Up, which is a really important programme, to stop gang crime and that gives people an out,” he continued.

“Today truly epitomised what the Foundation and The Foundry is all about.”

As the session wrapped up, attention turned back to Saturday night.

Liddard vs. Denny headlines a strong card at the Copper Box Arena, just a short distance from West Ham’s London Stadium – a fitting setting given the connection between the fighters and the club.

For Liddard, Sains and Mitchell, the week is about more than just the fight. It’s about representing where they come from – and staying connected to it.