By: Raymundo Dioses
International Boxing Federation Light Heavyweight World Champion Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev held an open workout last week in preparation of his title defense against Andre Ward on November 19, 2016.
Kovalev (30-0-1, 26 KOs) seems confident heading into the main event of the HBO pay-per-view telecast.
“I work out morning time. After this some massage therapy, some treatments, after this some rest, little bit nap, cook the food, take a rest and go again to work out. Today two work outs, this was just the first. My plan was a little broke today because usually my first workout is morning time, but right now already almost 3pm. My interview is a workout [laughs].
“I’m excited and everything is going good. I’m waiting for this day, November 19, and I am ready to fight,” said Kovalev, who is defending the IBF title for the fifth time when he meets Ward at the new T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Kovalev has held the title since November 2014, when he dethroned future Hall of Famer Bernard Hopkins. The Russian native was quick to cite what else he got since lifting the IBF belt from Hopkins, which will help him once he steps in with Ward later this month.
“I got some experience from my fight against Bernard Hopkins. He showed that never give up. That you should to fight all 12 rounds and hope for your win.”
Ward will be coming off two wins this year over Alexander Brand and more recently Sullivan Barrera. Prior to the Barrera fight in August 2016, Ward fought just once in 2015 and had nearly two years of inactivity from 2013 to 2015. Regardless, Kovalev is expecting the best Ward on fight night.
“I think he (Ward) will look much better in my fight November 19 because he long time didn’t fight, couple years he had a rest and Sullivan Barrera was first fight when he returned. And with Alexander Brand he was better than against Sullivan Barrera. I accept that he’s going to look much better November 19. In best shape.”