Andre Ward insists Canelo Alvarez would not dare call him out if he prevails against Sergey Kovalev.

The Mexican is stepping up two weight divisions on November 2, looking to become a four-weight world champion by seizing the WBO world light heavyweight title.

Ward has been retired for more than two years after stopping Kovalev in June 2017 to secure back-to-back wins against the Russian, but at just 35 years of age, speculation remains over a potential comeback with the American admitting he left plenty of money on the table to walk away undefeated.

With Canelo now the biggest name in the sport and able to offer tens of millions of dollars to the right opponent, a smiling Ward knocked back the possibility of facing him in the future.

"I'm going to say this, I think people forget that I left a lot of money on the table (by retiring)," Ward told Fight Hub TV.

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"Not a little bit, a lot, tens of millions of dollars, so if Canelo beats Kovalev, god bless him.

"He wouldn't do that (call me out). There's a difference between calling out Kovalev and me, I'm the man who beat Kovalev.

"Don't you all remember? Twice!"

Ward then offered his early analysis of the biggest fight left on the schedule this year.

Ward knocked out Kovalev in 2017 before retiring (Getty)

Ward added: "I don't know yet, there are a lot of variables, how heavy is Canelo coming in? Will he come in heavy concerned about the extra weight of Kovalev? Or stay somewhat light to remain faster.

"How is his knee? He's got a bad knee, I know all about that. What does Kovalev have left?