Ekundayo is unbeaten in his 12 last bouts since he joined the professional ranks in 2012 while Corcoran, recently moved down to welterweight after losing out in an 11 round thriller for Liam Williams’ super-welterweight Lonsdale belt in July 2016.

Ahead of the bout, Ekundayo admits that Corcoran is tough opponent which is a big test for him.

“Everyone in boxing rates Gary as a top fighter; he is a tough tough man and will be in my face all night,” the 34-year-old told Boxing News Online.

“This is a big test for me but I will be prepared for whatever he brings on the night. If I beat Gary I will get the respect I deserve in the boxing circuit.

“We have shared a lot of rounds in the gym but we all know there is a huge difference between sparring and fighting under the lights. Gary is as ferocious as they come but I’m going to give it my all to get the win and the belt.”

Ahead of the fight, reigning .

Joshua and Ekundayo met at an event recently and the Nigerian boxer took to his Instagram to share a video of an endorsement from the Brit.

“Larry, the Champ, the one and only. Please make sure you support as he goes and fight for the title,” Joshua said in the video.

“Get behind him, we need the country to get behind him,” he added.