Matt Legg recognises he has been fortunate to land a once in a life-time opportunity to fight at the iconic Wembley Stadium but the veteran stressed he will not be making up the numbers when he faces Anthony Joshua on Saturday night.

Watford-raised Joshua is a 200/1 odds-on favourite to beat Legg when the pair kick-start one of the biggest nights in British boxing history at the weekend, as the first contest of the Carl Froch and George Groves undercard.

Milton Keynes-based Legg was an ABA super-heavyweight finalist in 2001 and won his first three bouts as a professional before suffering a knock-out defeat to Alvin Miller; his last fight for six years.

He notched two more victories on his return to the paid ranks in 2008 before a knee injury and then his acting career meant another five years away from the sport.

Legg suffered a gang attack on New Years Eve in 2012 and this prompted another return to the ring. The 38-year-old has since won two and lost one of his three fights, with the defeat coming in the International Prizefighter tournament to James Toney.

Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn said he wanted to pick a British opponent for Anthony Joshua (5-0) because of the significance of fighting at Wembley.

And at the pre-fight press conference Legg (7-2) said: "I am really grateful to have an opportunity like this at my age, especially after the James Toney fight.

"I am not here to make up the numbers, I have ambition and I have come here doing everything to win."

Then speaking to the Watford Observer afterwards, he added: "It is unbelievable. I have been looking forward to it since the moment I found out. I have been thinking about it every day and it is a dream come true.

"To have an opportunity to fight at Wembley Stadium and the Olympic champion at this stage of my career is incredible. Also I am in good shape and it means I can finally show people what I can do. I have never really had that chance to show everyone what I can do.

"Anthony is a great fighter and hopefully Anthony can bring the best out of me as well."

Legg found out he would be fighting Joshua more than a month ago but it was only confirmed a couple of weeks ago.

He insists he is ready and the fact his usual sparring partner is 6ft 6 Tom Little from Hatfield is an added bonus for Legg heading into the bout with 6ft 6 Joshua.

Legg said: "Anthony has looked really impressive with his boxing skills and his power. He also conducts himself very well and he is a credit to the sport. He is an amazing talent.

"We know each other from when he was younger because I have boxed in Watford and we respect each other. He is a great model."

Watford Observer:

Joshua, who grew up on the Meriden Estate and now lives in Golders Green, has knocked out all five of his opponents inside two rounds but Legg stated: "I am not concerned because I have watched all his other opponents and they have a different style to me. I think I bring something different.

"If anything I think I can rise to the challenge and it can bring the best out of me."

Joshua’s Olympic gold medal at London 2012 means the 24-year-old has been widely tipped for super stardom. Nothing in his career so far has suggested otherwise.

But Legg was reluctant to discuss Joshua’s potential, saying: "I am going out there to win on Saturday so I am not looking past that for Anthony. But whatever happens - win, lose or draw - I think he will go on to do very well.

"But I am going out there to beat him on Saturday and you never know. After all, he is only a five-fight novice at professional level and no one has really tested him yet or came at him with any real aggression; they seem to be put off from the start, so we will wait and see."

Matchroom's Froch versus Groves show is a Box Office event and so is most of the undercard, however, the Joshua and Legg fight is free and is expected to start shortly after 6pm.