Nico Barros

“Every time I step into the ring, I feel like I'm representing Sao Tome, my family, and myself. It's a lot of pressure, but it's also what motivates me to give it my all.”

Growing up on the small island of Sao Tome, Nico never thought he'd end up in the middle of the desert, boxing in Kuwait City. But his love for the sport started early, watching Mike Tyson knock out opponents on TV. His father, a fisherman, couldn't understand his son's fascination with a sport that left him bruised and battered. But Nico was drawn to the adrenaline and the challenge of pushing his body to its limits. After training for years in Sao Tome, he moved to Kuwait City to pursue boxing professionally. Despite facing some setbacks and injuries, his passion for the sport remains unwavering.

What's your pre-fight ritual?

I always listen to the same playlist of songs that pump me up. And I make sure to call my mom before every match, just to hear her voice for a few minutes and get some last-minute encouragement.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to start boxing?

Find a good coach who can teach you the fundamentals of the sport and push you to keep improving. And don't be afraid to take a hit - it's part of the game. Just make sure you learn from every mistake and keep moving forward.