Larry Ekundayo claims he will soon prove he is at world level as he prepares to make his comeback after recovering from hand surgery.

London-based former African welterweight champion and Prizefighter winner Ekundayo (12-1, 3KOs) is the latest addition to MTK Global’s ‘High Stakes’ fight card at the Brentwood Centre in Essex on Saturday, March 3, which will be streamed live on iFL TV.

Southern Area light-middleweight champion Matt McCarthy (18-1, 4KOs) will top an action-packed bill, which will feature a number of MTK-backed fighters.

The card will mark Ekundayo’s first outing since he suffered his first pro loss, dropping a split-decision loss to world-title challenger Gary Corcoran last July.

And the sprightly 35-year-old Nigerian insists he will be better than ever when he makes his ring return on March 3.

“I had surgery, I’ve started to use my hand again in sparring and I’m looking forward to getting back in the ring,” said Ekundayo. 

“I had a bone growing out of place and it was affecting nerves in my knuckles. It was causing me really bad pain before my last fight, but I had to just get on with it. The bone has been shaved back, so I’m recovering well and I can use my hands properly now.”

While defeat for Ekundayo led to surgery, victory for Corcoran last July teed up a world-title title against WBO world welterweight champion Jeff Horn in Brisbane last month.

Corcoran was pulled out by his corner in the 11th round against Horn after a brave showing and Ekundayo was enthused by the fact that his old rival got a shot at a world-title.

“I’ve never had a doubt that I’m at world level - I’m a world-class fighter and it was very encouraging to actually see Gary fight for the world title,” said Ekundayo.

“I thought I won my fight against him and he went on to fight for a world title, so I’m sure I’m not far off getting a title shot myself,” continued ‘The Natural’, who is open to the prospect of a rematch against Corcoran in the near future.

“To be honest, I’m a fighter and it doesn’t matter where or when I get my shot. Even if I have to fight Corcoran again to get it, we can do it again - for a title if possible. It depends on what MTK have in line for me,” said the former Prizefighter winner.

“I’m just proper excited about getting back in the ring. I haven’t had any word on an opponent yet, but I’m grateful to have MTK behind me and to get me back out on March 3.”

All the action on the ‘High Stakes’ fight night will be broadcast live on iFL TV following the YouTube channel’s successful coverage of MTK Global’s ‘Pride & Glory’ bill, which was topped by Liverpool heavyweight David Price last December and attracted over 145,000 viewers.

Tickets for the March 3 bill range from £40, with £60 table tickets (including service) available while ringside table seating (including service) are priced at £70.

Further fight details and streaming information will be announced in the coming weeks.

MTK Global will return to the Brentwood Centre in Essex on Saturday, March 3 when Matt McCarthy will top another action-packed fight bill live on iFL TV.

Following the success of last month’s ‘Pride & Glory’ promotion, MTK will be back at the Essex venue with local light-middleweight McCarthy (18-1, 4KOs) headlining the card.

The 24-year-old Southern Area champion will feature in title action in his first bout since stopping Tony Milch last October when McCarthy extended his winning streak to nine fights on the bounce to claim his first pro belt.

A host of MTK-backed prospects are also set to feature on the night, including promising London light-heavyweight Dan Azeez (1-0) and Essex middleweight Tey Lynn-Jones (9-1).

iFL TV will once again broadcast the action live after thousands tuned into iFL’s YouTube channel for December’s ‘Pride & Glory’ card, with an audience of over 145,000 viewers having watched Liverpool heavyweight David Price make a victorious return to action on the successful MTK promotion.

Tickets for the March 3 bill range from £40, with £60 table tickets (including service) available while ringside table seating (including service) are priced at £70.

Further fight details and streaming information will be announced in the coming weeks.

Solihull’s Mitchell Redmond has become the latest prospect to sign up with MTK Global ahead of his professional debut next month.

Super-middleweight Redmond has been busy preparing for his pro bow, training under Séamus Macklin at MTK Birmingham, with a February fight date set to be confirmed in the coming weeks.

“I can’t wait to get going. My debut is in a few weeks and I’m really excited to get in there,” said Redmond, who claimed Haslev Box Cup youth gold in Denmark back in 2015 during a brief amateur career.

The 20-year-old trained out of Solihull ABC as an amateur but returned to training in MTK Birmingham after a spell away from the sport. And top of his New Year resolutions list is to make his mark in the paid game, having originally got back into boxing solely to boost his fitness.

“I’ve boxed on and off for about six years now,” explained Redmond. “I was a kick-boxer for years as a kid, but my trainer at the time thought I was better at boxing so that led to the switch.

“I only had 10 fights as an amateur (winning seven), but I won that tournament in Denmark, which was a big boost for my confidence. It was great to experience boxing in another country and it’s an example of what I’m capable of.

“I had a bit of break from the amateur game, but I have my hunger back now and I’m ready to make a mark in the pros.

“I was fat and out of shape for a while! I first went down to MTK for the fitness classes at the gym and that’s where I got talking to Will (Stokes, MTK trainer). He was impressed with how dedicated I was so that’s how it all came about.

“I’m working with Will and Séamus now and I love the pair of them – they’re both really helping me progress and I can’t wait to make my debut.”