Sergey Kovalev spoke to members of the media today ahead of his next fight this August as he continues his comeback trail since suffering two defeats to Andre Ward.

Kovalev’s Eleider Alvarez showdown for the WBO light-heavyweight title will mark his third fight back since suffering the second defeat to Ward.

Speaking to members of the media today, Kovalev said:

“Thank you. Thank you very much for everything and I’m happy to be here and back to New York and I’m glad to be here again.

“First of all, I want to say thank you to Egis, who one day believed in me and gave me opportunity to be a professional fighter and may my dreams happen for me. And, also, thank you to Kathy Duva who supports us and gave opportunity fighting on HBO. Thanks also to HBO for great opportunity to be in team of HBO boxing. And personal thank you for help to Peter Nelson and Hard Rock for expressing confidence in me.

“Thanks to Yvon Michel and Eleider Alvarez for approve the fight. I am sure that we will show really great fight August 4th because I have a plan to defend my title. He has a plan to get a title and to be champion. It will be very big battle and we must be ready and be the best shape of our boxing career. Because in the future, happening huge fights, unification fights, I hope.

“Thank you to all the writers. To the writers who gave award that Egis best manager in the world, Lomachenko was the best fighter in the world, and his father, Anatoly, won the best trainer in the world.

“Thank you very much for everything and see you and at next press conference before August 4th. God bless you everyone, and thank you.”

Kovalev takes on Eleider Alvarez on August 4th at the Hard Rock Hotel in Atlantic City.