American Andre Ward is adamant he will not be outmuscled when he takes on ‘bully’ Sergey Kovalev in Las Vegas next month.

The unbeaten star will challenge IBF, WBA Super and WBO light-heavyweight champion Kovalev at the T’Mobile Arena on November 19, in what is expected to be a classic fight.

Ward decided to jump up in weight earlier this year but insists he is not overawed by Kovalev’s power, despite the fact he has knocked out 26 of his 30 opponents.

The 32-year-old has only seen one of Kovalev’s fights but is confident he will outclass him in just less than four weeks’ time.

Ward told Sky Sports: “I want to take him places he’s never been before. I don’t like bullies, I don’t advocate bullying and I’ve never been bullied, and that’s not going to change in this fight.

“They are going to realise it’s not what they thought it was going to be. He’s going to be taken to places he’s never been before.

He tires in fights, he gets frustrated when he can’t get guys out of there, or when he can’t knock them out, and endurance and conditioning are my strengths.

“I am just keeping my foot on the gas on my preparation, keep banging away so when it comes to fight night, I am in the absolute best shape of my life.”

Ward is the 1.70 favourite to win the bout, with the draw 23.00, while Kovalev can be backed at odds of 2.20.