By Edward Chaykovsky

Former super middleweight king Andre Ward (30-0, 15KOs) is a fighter who places a lot of emphasis on his legacy in the sport.

After years of dominating and capturing world titles at 168-pounds, Ward takes a legacy-defining fight on November 19th - when he faces IBF/WBO/WBA light heavyweight world champion Sergey Kovalev (30-0, 26KOs).

The fight takes place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, with HBO Pay-Per-View handling the distribution.

Kovalev will be Ward's third fight in the light heavyweight division. Ward made his debut at the weight in March, with a lopsided decision win over Sullivan Barrera. He followed that up in August with an easy decision win over Alexander Brand.

Because of injuries and legal issues, Ward has not been very active in the last few years. He's only fought four times since 2013. Ward could have taken another fight or two to sharpen up his skills - but he felt it was time to take the toughest challenge possible.

"There are times and places for tune-ups and stay-busy fights. I don't necessarily think fighters should fight killers every time but, at some point in time, fighters should be fighting the best in their division, period. It has always been like that and it should always be like that. That is what keeps our sport alive and well," Ward told Sky Sports.

"My legacy is really important to me. I feel this [fight] is the best way to secure my position in boxing history and hopefully the Hall of Fame one day - to fight the best and beat the best."

Most experts are wondering how Ward will be able to deal with Kovalev's tremendous physical strength and punching power - but Ward is wondering how Kovalev will deal with his boxing ability.

"How is he going to deal with me? It is a two-way street here. We respect what he brings to the table, but he is going to have to be everything that he says that he is, because I am going to be ready and I am going to be prepared," Ward said. 

"I am not enamoured with him. Once a fighter becomes enamoured with another, to the point where they can't perform and compete, you have got problems."

The winner of this fight will be viewed by many as being the best pound-for-pound fighter in the sport. Both boxers are already ranked, in high positions, on most reputable pound-for-pound lists.

"In my opinion, [the winner would] have to be somewhere near the top. But there have been times in my career when I maybe thought I should have been at the top, but I don't have a vote in the matter," Ward said.

"I can't worry about that, I have to do my job and go out there and put on the best possible performance that I can, get my hand raised, and get those light heavyweight titles."