Abraham Nova dismissed any suggestion that his career is at crisis point following consecutive defeats – but accepted that Saturday’s fight against Humberto Galindo is a must-win.

The Puerto Rican, who is based in Albany, New York, is certainly at the crossroads having lost his last two outings. The 10-round points loss to Andres Cortes in June came four months after he was beaten over 12 by O’Shaquie Foster, who rematches Robson Conceicao on the same bill.

“Boxing is a very subjective sport, and the judges have their way of seeing things,” Nova said when asked about those recent setbacks. “The last two fights didn’t go my way, but the important thing is perseverance. The fans know who the champ is, and I fight for the fans.

“Every fight is a must-win but this one more so because I’m coming off two ‘L’s, back-to-back,” he said of his 10-round clash with Galindo, 14-3-2 (11 KOs), in Verona. “And I’m in my hometown.”

The only other defeat on Nova’s 23-3 (16 KOs) ledger came to Robeisy Ramirez in 2022 but the junior lightweight fringe contender, who defeated Jamaine Ortiz, Richardson Hitchins and Frank Martin in the amateur ranks, remains optimistic that his best days are ahead of him.

“I’m 30 years young – not 30 years old,” Nova said. “I have a great family and great genetics behind me. 

“May the best man win, and that will be me.”