Kessler works out in front of public and press in Oakland ahead of Super Six bout with Andre Ward. Photograph by Jan Sanders.

Mikkel Kessler and Andre Ward participated in a public workout in Oakland, California ahead of their November 21 clash in their first bout of the Super Six World Boxing Classic.

Denmark’s Kessler, whose WBA super middleweight title will be on the line, is the more experienced with a record of 42-1 (32 KOs), while American Ward holds a record of 20-1 (13 KOs). But the US Olympic gold medallist has warned Kessler not to underestimate him.

“People are often surprised when they fight me," said Ward. "You see one thing and get in the ring and see something different. [Edison] Miranda told me in the locker room after the fight that he thought I would be a lot easier than I was and I’ve heard that a lot during my career, even going back to the amateurs.

“I have no idea what it is about my style, but they would hear I was the number one guy and see me fight and say ‘that’s Ward?’ We do it in such a way that it looks easy until they get in the ring with me.”

The 25-year-old insists the huge scale of the bout fails to intimidate him and he is prepared for the biggest fight of his career.

“This is what it’s all about, I’ve been at the highest level as an amateur and now I’m preparing for my first world title fight as a professional. I see all you guys [media on hand] and I know what a big fight is all about. I’m ready.”

Kessler, whose only loss has come at the hands of undefeated super middleweight king Joe Calzaghe, was full of praise for his opponent.

“Ward is a real gentleman. He doesn’t talk trash. The best fighters I have fought are like him. It’s going to be a great fight on Saturday night.

“He’s a great, young fighter. He reminds me a lot of myself when I was his age. I won my first world title at 24, but I’m more experienced in a lot of different ways. I can see that he is hungry, has good speed and good technique. He’s a good fighter.”

However, the Dane maintained his experience and ability would guarantee him victory in Oakland and the retention of his WBA title.

“I think my strengths are also speed and my experience. I have double the fights he has and I have had a lot of big fights.”