Andre Ward has done just about everything in boxing except the one thing that truly defines fighters these days — headline a pay-per-view card in this gambling city.

It's been a long time coming but he can check that off Saturday when he meets Sergey Kovalev in what might be the best fight of what has been a down year for the sport. The two meet for Kovalev's light heavyweight titles in a rare matchup of unbeaten fighters in their prime.

"This is for all the marbles," Ward told CSN Bay Area’s Mindi Bach in an exclusive interview. "I’ve been fortunate to accomplish a lot in my career, but I need this one really bad. He can fight, and he can box really, really well. But I think what makes him great is also going to be his downfall."

The fight is a classic clash of styles, pitting the slick-boxing Ward against a big puncher who has knocked out almost everyone put in front of him. It's also a Cold War reprise of sorts, with Ward a 2004 American Olympic gold medalist and Kovalev coming from Russia without much love for his challenger.

Kovalev has fought most of his career in the U.S., has a home in Los Angeles and has made himself fluent in English. But this is boxing, and there's a pay-per-view to sell for $64.95 to fans who haven't reached into their wallets for recent bouts.

The fight itself needs no extra hype. Oddsmakers slightly favor Ward for his ability to win a decision, but neither fighter has lost and Kovalev is always just one big punch away from ending any fight.

Ward has fought only three times in the last three years because of an injured shoulder and a court dispute with his late promoter, Dan Goossen. He's a former 168-pound champion now comfortable at 175 pounds, and has not lost a fight, amateur or pro, in 20 years.

If there's a knock against him it's that he's defensive minded and has rarely fought outside his hometown of Oakland, California. He's also never captured the hearts of casual fight fans, even while long being considered one of the top pound-for-pound fighters in the world.

"Everyone has their own journey and this is how the chips fell," Ward said. "I think it's just a good thing it's happening now. Just finding the right opponent has something to do with it. Something where people want to come and travel from around the country to see the fight."

Both fighters are 30-0, though Kovalev has 27 knockouts to 15 for Ward, who was the last American to win a boxing gold medal when he did it at the Athens Olympics 12 years ago. Ward counters that power with better speed, more experience, and the confidence that not having lost since the age of 13 can give a fighter.

"He's a good boxer and obviously he can punch," Ward said. "He's stubborn and I'm stubborn. Who's going to break? That's what it comes down to. It's about going out there and doing it and I've done it my entire career."