Ward v Kovalev II: Andre Ward insists defeat is not an option against Sergey Kovalev

Andre Ward has hit back at Sergey Kovalev ahead of their light heavyweight rematch later this month, live on Sky Sports.

Kovalev recently said he wanted to destroy Ward, branding him a "fake" champion and vowed to avenge his narrow points defeat to the American in Las Vegas on June 17.

However, Ward, who ended the Russian's 31-fight undefeated record and relieved him of his WBA, WBO and IBF titles when they met in November, believes Kovalev's anger will lead to his downfall in the ring.