Question: How difficult is to go from 168 pounds to 175 pounds and be competitive? What did you have to do to make the jump in terms of dieting, preparation, training?

Andre Ward: My competitiveness never leaves me, regardless of weight class. I carry my competitive nature wherever I go. I felt my body was ready to move up, and I'm surrounded by a great team that helped ensure I made that transition the right way."

"We took a diligent approach—utilizing BMI measurements, blood work, nutritional insight—to ensure I was where I needed to be, and all signs were pointing up."

"As a light heavyweight, you have to adjust your training accordingly. It's unlike any other weight class. You need to place an emphasis on explosiveness and strength. That said, the skills I gained from other weight classes hasn't left me. "

"My agility and my endurance remain-add that to my new strength and explosiveness, and I'm feeling better than ever."

My Fight: Kovalev/Ward, HBO Sports special leading up to their pay-per-view light heavyweight title showdown, debuts Saturday, October. 29 on HBO.

Kovalev vs. Ward takes place Saturday, November 19 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/ 6:00 p.m. PT.