Boxing: Bernard Hopkins tackles Russian knockout specialist Sergey Kovalev

Bernard Hopkins will bid to extend his record as the oldest world champion in boxing history when he climbs through the ropes for his 66th professional fight.

Hopkins, just two months shy of his 50th birthday, tackles dangerous Russian Sergey Kovalev in a light heavyweight unification clash in Atlantic City on Saturday.

This isn't about being an athlete, a boxer or whatever it is. This is something separate. Me as a man.

The Philadelphia native, who has chalked up 55 victories and lost just six times on points since turning professional over a quarter of a century ago, will bid to add the WBO title to his WBA and IBF belts.

"This isn't about being an athlete, a boxer or whatever it is. This is something separate. Me as a man," he said.

“I've been here since 1965. I have been special ever since. I still have the hunger to prove myself.                 

"I don't mind putting my wits up against anyone's wits today. When I step into the ring I am at war with everybody."

Hopkins hopes to dispose of Kovalev, who is 21 years his junior, and then defend his title at age 50.

Dangerous

However, Kovalev, who stopped Nathan Cleverley in four rounds to win the WBO title last year, is Hopkins’ most dangerous challenger in more than a decade.

Bernard Hopkins is a legend. He is a professor of professional boxing. This fight is dangerous for me but this fight is also dangerous for him.

The 31-year-old has chalked up 23 knockouts in 25 fights and is undefeated. 

"All roads lead to this fight. This is a huge fight in my career and in my life," said Kovalev.

"Bernard Hopkins is a legend. He is a professor of professional boxing. This fight is dangerous for me but this fight is also dangerous for him."                 

Kovalev has only one minor blemish on his career, a technical draw. In his 25 wins, only four opponents have lasted more than four rounds.                 

"In the beginning of my career, I was ready to fight anywhere at anytime. No one knew me in America and I built my career from zero. I fought any place, any opponent.”                 

Kovalev, who goes by the nickname "Krusher" has earned a reputation as a hard puncher.

In 2011, Kovalev fought and beat Roman Simakov who suffered brain injuries and died three days later.