Abraham Nova explained that he uses a large mascot of himself to relieve the focus of pressure he feels as a fighter.
Nova fights O’Shaquie Foster on Friday evening (live on ESPN in the US), for the WBC junior lightweight championship and he has made himself well known for his accompanying mascot.
While some think it is an expression of ego, the 30-year-old fighter explained that it is to help him with the pressure of boxing.
He told Sky Sports : "It takes a lot of pressure off. The mascot takes all the pictures. The mascot takes all the fans, everybody wants to be with the mascot. They don't want to be with me.
"So it takes a big load of pressure away."
Nova also praised Foster for his qualities, adding: "O'Shaquie Foster, he's a great fighter. He's an elusive fighter. He has good footwork, and he has climbed the ranks and has beaten the fighters that he's supposed to. He's a great fighter, taking nothing away [from] him.”.
A win, he said, "would mean a lot to me. You know, my dreams will be coming true. It will be everything for me, my family, and my city
"It will also show me that, which I believe regardless, but hard work really pays off, you know, so, all the years that I put into boxing since I was a kid is going to make these dreams come true when I become the WBC world champion."
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