Larry Ekundayo feels ready for the world stage as he fights for IBF ranking title this weekend
Larry Ekundayo is determined to claim the IBF European title against John Thain on Friday night and take a step back to where he feels he belongs – the world stage.
Nigeria’s Ekundayo clashes with Thain on the MTK London show at York Hall and having suffered a split decision defeat to world title challenger Gary Corcoran a year ago, is relishing the chance to shine.
Ekundayo (13-1-KO3) said: “Winning this title will give my career a big boost. I’m delighted to be fighting for it and it will hopefully put me back in the top 15 or top 20 in the world.
“I’m always operating at a high level. I fought for the WBO International against Corcoran and still believe I won.
“The fact that it was such a close fight shows I’m world level because Corcoran went on to fight for the world title. I felt I was landing the better shots against him despite breaking my hand in the second round.
“That’s all behind me anyway. I’m on to better things. I’ve had surgery on my hand now and this is a massive opportunity for me.
“I watched Thain against Skeete and he’s a quality fighter. I also saw some of his other fights. He’s very rangy and smart with a good boxing brain. I rate him but I’m better.”
Also on a stacked card at the home of London boxing is Siar Ozgul’s Southern Area title defence against Mikey Sakyi plus the likes of Dan Azeez and Mitchell Frearson.
Stay up to date at mtkglobal.com and on social media @mtkglobal