Andre Ward has warned Super Six opponent Mikkel Kessler he intends to breathe new life into American boxing when they meet (Kessler 2/5 draw 25/1 Ward 7/4 fight prices) in Oakland on Saturday night.

WBA super-middleweight title holder Kessler has spoken of his determination to write off his November 2007 defeat to the now retired Joe Calzaghe and prove he is the king of the division in what promises to be an explosive contest.

Ward 20-0 (13 KOs) accepts the onus is on him to put on a show following defeats already in the competition for countrymen Andre Dirrell and Jermain Taylor and revealed he “wants to do his part for America”.

He added: “I know the Europeans have some good fighters, but we Americans, we’re still a force to be reckoned with.”

The 2004 Olympic light-heavyweight gold medal winner also believes Saturday’s clash with Kessler has come at the right time in his career.

He added: “No-one expected me to win the Olympics. No one expected to me to get this far as a pro. But, now, if I win, it is because I’m supposed to, and if I ever lose, it’s a huge thing.

“I’m thrilled for everybody Saturday night and really anxious for the fight to be here.”

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