Ward vs Kovalev: Your one-stop preview ahead of the light-heavyweight showdown

By Matt Horan

Image: Andre Ward and Sergey Kovalev go head to head on Sky Sports on Sunday morning

Everything you need to know about the blockbuster rematch as two of the pound-for-pound best once again go toe-to-toe, live on Sky Sports.

Background

It is finally time for the rematch billed 'no excuses' where Andre Ward and Sergey Kovalev will once again battle to stake their claim for pound-for-pound greatness.

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First time around, the mouthwatering unification showdown seemed to have it all, world titles, unbeaten streaks and the rare moment that two of boxing's best fighters would meet in the ring - something that too often fails to materialise in the sweet science.

But now, after a razor-close first fight that narrowly went the way of Ward, a genuine rivalry has developed and the Las Vegas rematch is shrouded in animosity.

Image: Tale of the Tape - Andre Ward v Sergey Kovalev

Russia's Kovalev stormed out of Thursday's press conference, and will be looking to reclaim his WBA, WBO and IBF titles on Sunday morning while avenging the only defeat on his knockout-heavy record.

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Olympic gold medallist Ward, unbeaten as a professional, will have his own plans to win in a more convincing fashion, consolidating his position as one of the world's very best elite fighters, removing any doubt that masked his first victory.

Highlights of the enthralling first fight between Ward and Kovalev

That first controversial fight failed to result in any real pure conclusion as to who truly is the number one light-heavyweight, so will a score finally be settled? Or are these two great champions almost perfectly matched? Things will finally become clearer in the epic showdown this Sunday morning.

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What the fighters say

Andre Ward is paying no attention to Sergey Kovalev's pre-fight comments
Sergey Kovalev walked out of Thursday's press conference

What the experts say

Sergey Kovalev is the stronger man at light-heavyweight and I just think he will take the rematch on points, unless he manages to deliver that knockout blow earlier.
Carl Froch
Sergey Kovalev has already shown that he's strong enough to put Ward down. Kovalev will come for the knockout, but he'll have to settle for an emphatic points win.
Johnny Nelson
When the rematch was first announced I thought it was 60-40 in Andre Ward's favour. But now it's 51-49 in Ward's favour. Ward wins on points, but I'm not saying that with confidence.
Tony Bellew

What tactics they might employ

Trainer Kenny Porter expects Ward to make adjustments in Kovalev rematch

The weigh-in:

Andre Ward & Sergey Kovalev weigh in for their World Light Heavyweight title clash in Las Vegas.

Andre Ward: 12st 5lbs

Sergey Kovalev: 12st 5lbs

Here's what they can do...

Look back at explosive victories for Ward and Kovalev.

Paul Smith vs Tyron Zeuge is live on Sky Sports 1 HD from 9pm on Saturday, then Andre Ward vs Sergey Kovalev II is live on Sky Sports 1 HD from 2am on Sunday morning.

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