He has lost three times as a professional – to the proven Denzel Bentley, Tyler Denny, and the Sims-trained Liddard – and the 25-year-old Sains, the English middleweight champion, is optimistic that victory would prove he is ready for another step up in class.

“Tony’s seen him first hand in the ring – what he does well; what he doesn’t do well – obviously so has George,” Liddard told BoxingScene. “So that’s a little bit of an advantage to us. It does give you a little bit of an insight. I spar a lot with George, so it gives you that confidence. 

“I’ve asked George a bit about him. He gave me a few little tips. George said he’s tough; told me a few tricks he does; he’s quite clever on the inside.

“[But] I don’t think it will matter to him. He’s gonna prepare hard either way. It doesn’t really matter who he’s fighting whether they know him or don’t know him.

“It will probably be my toughest challenge so far. He’s only lost to, probably, British level and above – European-level fighters. George, Denzel Bentley and Tyler Denny – they’ve all gone on to win the British or European [titles].

“He’s quite strong. He’s always coming forward. He’s got quite a tight guard. I’m going to have to be patient and take my opportunities in there. 

“He’s not the biggest puncher. His boxing IQ and skill level probably isn’t the best, but what he does is keep it simple and effective.

“Troy Coleman was probably the best I’ve fought so far, for the English title, in my last fight. Gideon [Onyenani] was good opposition as well – them two are a similar level. I think he’ll be a level above that – just the people he’s fought – he’s beat Kieron Conway. I know it was a long time ago, but them fighters he’s been in the ring with are better than who I’ve fought so far.

“I’m just gonna keep it simple – keep to the boxing, and let the shots come.

“Just see what sort of level I’m at. Whether I’m above those sort of fighters, or I’ll be below that if I come unstuck. But I’ve sparred them sort of fighters for a long time so I believe I’m there or thereabouts, at that level.

“Definitely a good opportunity to make a statement. I don’t want to pressure myself but if I can get him out of there early it’ll make a big statement.”

In Saturday’s main event at London’s Copper Box Arena, Liddard defends his British and Commonwealth titles against Denny.

He and Sains are both guided by Sims and Matchroom, and increasingly present a package that appears likely to continue to benefit both.

“To have the British and Commonwealth middleweight champion – at my weight – at my gym, I couldn’t really ask for better sparring,” Sains explained. “We’ve sparred throughout our pro careers and spurred each other on. Not only that – the runs. The strength training. We’re always pushing each other. It’s friendly competition.

“We’ve had a really good camp, last couple of weeks. [Fellow Sims fighter] Louie Ward’s making his pro debut – he’s come along well, and improved a lot. We’ve been in camp since the start of January so we’ve had a lot of preparation for this. We’ve all been training hard. The gym’s buzzing.”