This past weekend we sent our lead correspondent Jack Kelly and senior writer Dakota McCormick to cover Reyes Boxing’s “Down & Dirty 5” in Lowell, Mass. At this event, the duo ran into world title contender at the 130 lbs division, Abraham Nova, who is coming off a massive win in January over Adam “Blunose” Lopez.

“I am coming off a win over Adam Lopez which puts me in a better position in my boxing career,” explained Nova, who was at the event cheering on local fighters as his coach and longtime friend, Mark DeLuca worked several corners throughout the night. “After the Robeisy [Ramirez] loss, I showed the world I can take a punch. [that loss was] More of dehydration, it was tough making 126 [lbs], so coming back and showing the fans and the public that I am someone to be respected at 126 lbs. I can take a punch, I can bang, I can box, I can do it all.”

Nova returned to the ring to face Adam Lopez, who he defeated by a ten-round unanimous decision, but the story of the fight was Nova was fighting in the same building in which he was knocked out by Robeisy Ramirez, a year prior. Nova hadn’t fought since the knockout loss and was eager to make a statement.

Many hailed this past win as Nova’s best performance to date as he dropped Lopez twice, and won an action-packed decision over a talented fighter.

“It takes a lot of mental power, a lot of times that happens to people and you second guess yourself,” said Nova about his comeback from the knockout loss. “I was already prepared that this happens [in the sport]. It’s just a punch, I wasn’t outclassed, I wasn’t out beat [SIC], I just got caught with a shot I didn’t see, and I was dehydrated.”

The latter was the most interesting as Nova explained further about his dehydration as he is no longer at featherweight and fighting at 130 lbs. for the time being.

“If that happens to any fighter, stay mentally strong,” furthered Nova. “You’re still a fighter, you still got it, it is just a punch, you can come back from anything if you believe in yourself.”

Nova is signed to Top Rank Inc., and awaiting his next fight date.