LAS VEGAS -- Andre Ward has done just about everything in boxing except the one thing that truly defines fighters these days -- headline a pay-per-view card in this gambling city.Its been a long time coming but he can check that off Saturday when he meets Sergey Kovalev in what might be the best fight of what has been a down year for the sport. The two meet for Kovalevs light heavyweight titles in a rare matchup of unbeaten fighters in their prime.Ive been here so many times for so many fights. I just wasnt fighting, Ward said. The difference is Im the headliner now and it feels good. What this town represents for the sport of boxing, its an honor to be headlining here.The fight is a classic clash of styles, pitting the slick-boxing Ward against a big puncher who has knocked out almost everyone put in front of him. Its also a Cold War reprise of sorts, with Ward a 2004 American Olympic gold medalist and Kovalev coming from Russia without much love for his challenger.Im going to deal with the elephant in the room: This is Russia vs. the USA, Wards manager, James Prince, said at the final prefight news conference this week. And the best of Russia cant beat the best of the United States of America. In nothing!Actually, Kovalev has fought most of his career in the U.S., has a home in Los Angeles and has made himself fluent in English. But this is boxing, and theres a pay-per-view to sell for $64.95 to fans who havent reached into their wallets for recent bouts.The fight itself needs no extra hype. Oddsmakers slightly favor Ward for his ability to win a decision, but neither fighter has lost and Kovalev is always just one big punch away from ending any fight.I will try to make it an interesting fight, Kovalev said. If Andre Ward wins the fight all boxing fans will lose some interesting fights in the future because his fights are boring. If I win they will see interesting fights again.Ward has fought only three times in the last three years because of an injured shoulder and a court dispute with his late promoter, Dan Goossen. Hes a former 168-pound champion now comfortable at 175 pounds, and has not lost a fight, amateur or pro, in 20 years.If theres a knock against him its that hes defensive minded and has rarely fought outside his hometown of Oakland, California. Hes also never captured the hearts of casual fight fans, even while long being considered one of the top pound-for-pound fighters in the world.Everyone has their own journey and this is how the chips fell, Ward said. I think its just a good thing its happening now. Just finding the right opponent has something to do with it. Something where people want to come and travel from around the country to see the fight.The right opponent seems to be Kovalev, who came to America from Russia seven years ago to try to make his mark in boxing. He fought on undercards in small arenas for years before finally becoming a regular attraction on HBO, largely because of his knockout power.Hes even more popular at home in Russia, where promoters say the fight will be televised live on state-run broadcaster Channel One.America gave me opportunity, Kovalev said. Its two great countries for me. I love both countries, which is why I have two houses, Russia and America. Im very comfortable with the people and the boxing in America.Both fighters are 30-0, though Kovalev has 27 knockouts to 15 for Ward, who was the last American to win a boxing gold medal when he did it at the Athens Olympics 12 years ago. Ward counters that power with better speed, more experience, and the confidence that not having lost since the age of 13 can give a fighter.Hes a good boxer and obviously he can punch, Ward said. Hes stubborn and Im stubborn. Whos going to break? Thats what it comes down to. Its about going out there and doing it and Ive done it my entire career.White Air Max 90 China . "We have always prided ourselves on the way we play defence. Having two big pieces back is going to be a key for us moving forward for years to come," said Knighthawks head coach Mike Hasen. Air Max 90 China . Argentina winger Ezequiel Lavezzi and France midfielder Blaise Matuidi scored, with star striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic setting up both despite having a poor game by his high standards. 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His first stop after the layoff is the clay in Rio as he tests the back and tries to stay healthy for the French Open in three months.Australian womens basketball coach Brendan Joyce is happy with the progress the Opals have made after two wins on their Olympic warm-up tour, but sees plenty more improvement.The world No.2 side beat France 76-67 in Connecticut on Saturday morning (AEST), following their victory over Canada two days earlier.They outscored them 24-9 in the second quarter to set up the win and held their fourth-ranked opponents from scoring from the field in the final five minutes.Guard Erin Phillips led Australias scoring with 20 points and five assists, while star centre Liz Cambage added 19 points plus 10 rebounds.Penny Taylor, in her second game back from a hip injury, finished with 12 points, six rebounds and three assists.I am very pleased with how we are progressing after beating two very good teams, said Joyce.I am happy with how we improved our game from when we last played France but there are still areas for improvement.dddddddddddd.We got a lot out of the match to improve upon before we meet again in Rio and we are starting to play well together offensively.Joyce said his sides defence was almost at the level they showed at the 2014 world championships, where they won bronze.But the Opals face their biggest test on Monday morning (AEST) against Olympic gold medal favourites the United States at Madison Square Garden in New York.It will be their last game before heading to Rio ahead of their opening Games fixture against hosts Brazil on August 6.Australia is chasing its first Olympic gold medal in womens basketball, having won either silver or bronze at the past five Games. 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