Former multi-weight world champion Andre Ward can be considered one of the best fighters of the 21st century.
Sporting wins over Carl Froch and Mikkel Kessler, Ward is one of the few champions to retire undefeated in their career. In this category, he is joined by the likes of Floyd Mayweather and Rocky Marciano, the only heavyweight champion to retire undefeated.
Although there were claims that Ward did not want to fight Dmitry Bivol before retiring, the champion faced the very best fighters of his generation.
This included a scare in the second-last fight of his career against his final rival.
Andre Ward was knocked down by Sergey Kovalev in razor-close fight
In 2016, Ward looked to become a champion in a second weight class. To do this, he challenged light heavyweight champion Sergey Kovalev for his WBA, IBF, and WBO titles.
Kovalev had an unbeaten 30-0-1 record at the time, as the Russian was a dominant champion. However, that did not deter Ward from challenging for the titles.
The pair would meet in Las Vegas in November 2016, as the fighters put their unbeaten records on the line. However, it would be Ward who extended his record to 31-0.
It was not all smooth sailing for the American in his victory, however. After losing the opening round of the bout, Ward would be dropped in the second.
A strong right hand would force Ward down for the second time in his career, leaving the Russian with a lead in the opening rounds. As the fight developed, however, Ward would start to find more success in the fight.
By the end of the 12 rounds, the two had a closely contested fight. However, a new champion would be crowned as Ward was announced the victor.
Andre Ward and Sergey Kovalev met for a second time in 2017
Due to the razor-thin margins in which Ward defeated Kovalev, the pair met for a second time in June 2017. Once again, they fought in Las Vegas. This time, there would be a more conclusive ending to their sequel bout.
The judges had the bout scored differently after seven completed rounds, with two favoring Ward and one having Kovalev ahead. However, in the eighth round, finishing blows would be landed.
As Ward was having success by targeting the body, Kovalev looked visibly in pain after some crushing blows. Then, as he continued to receive punishment without response, the referee intervened.
Ward was declared the winner via TKO, extending his record to 32-0. Later that year, he would officially announce his retirement.