By Gregory Stangrit

IBF/WBO/WBA world champion Sergey Kovalev (30-0, 26KOs) is really looking forward to the upcoming fight with Olympic gold medal winner Andre Ward (30-0, 15KOs).

The fight is scheduled for November 19th and likely at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. HBO Pay-Per-View will carry the contest.

Kovalev has been growing as a fighter over the last few years. His key career victory came against Bernard Hopkins back in the fall of 2014.

Kovalev and Ward are both rated among the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world. The winner of the contest will likely become the number one rated boxer in the pound-for-pound rankings.

The Russian champion views the fight as a measuring stick of his skill and growth as a fighter.

"This fight very a huge test for me, for myself. What I have right now in my arsenal and who I am right now in boxing. It's very important for me. I want to see how I've grown up, step by step, or have I stopped growing up as boxer. My goal is to get better and better," Kovalev told BoxingScene.com.

Kovalev was ringside last Saturday night and watched Ward win a lopsided twelve round decision over unknown contender Alexander Brand. Not everyone was impressed by Ward's performance, but Kovalev expects him to be a lot better when they fight reach other in November. 

"Ward has an interesting style. From what I saw [against Brand], it was a very good performance. But I know that in the fight against me Andre will be much better. I too am growing as a boxer, getting better. Now is the time to meet with one of the best in the light heavyweight division. He is the best, I am the best. I think a fight between us makes sense," Kovalev said.

 Gregory Stangrit covers boxing for Allboxing.ru