By Radio Rahim

WBO/IBF/WBA light heavyweight champion Sergey Kovalev (30-0, 26KOs) is one of the most feared fighters in boxing. Many regard him as one of the hardest punchers, pound-for-pound, in the sport.

In the last few years, Bernard Hopkins and Isaac Chilemba managed to go the distance with Kovalev - but both of them found themselves down on the mat from hard punches in their respective fights.

On November 19th at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Kovalev will defend his titles against his toughest test to date - former super middleweight king and Olympic gold medal winner Andre Ward (30-0, 15KOs).

Ward believes a lot of Kovalev's opponents are already mentally defeated before they ever step inside the ring - which allows 'The Krusher' to have his way.

Ward has faced and beaten big punchers in the past. He has no fear of what Kovalev brings in his fists and he's not paying any attention to the champion's feared reputation.

Both fighters are listed very high on most legitimate pound-for-pound lists. The winner of this contest will be widely viewed as the best pound-for-pound fighter in boxing.

"In terms of the actual matchup.... this is why you have to tune in, this is why you have to be there. I just know that I'm going to get in tremendous shape, the best possible physical shape that I can get in. I'm coming to win. I don't get caught up in reputations. I've fought big punchers before. I'm sure that whatever they are saying about his punching power is legit, but its going to take more than that to beat me," Ward explained to BoxingScene.com.

"There are different nuances, there are ebbs and flows. I'm not afraid, and that's what happens with a lot of guys. They get in there with Kovalev and freeze, and then he has a field day - but it's not going to happen in this fight."