Three days out from her first world title defence, Kiwi boxer Mea Motu is shutting out the noise and pressure of what awaits.
And to do so, she's leaning on an eight-year-old.
On Saturday, Motu's super bantamweight belt will go on the line against Malawi's Ellen Simwaka as part of a co-headline with fellow Kiwi and world champion Lani Daniels.
And Motu has received some good news ahead of the fight.
Having an eight-year-old on the pads is far from the traditional way to build up to your first world title defence. But the 33-year-old wouldn't have it any other way.
Zen Peach, son of Motu's coaches, Isaac and Alina, on Wednesday took over to put the finishing touches ahead of Saturday's bout against Malawi's Ellen Simwaka.
"It's more precious when it's just me and him," said Motu. "He was way more nervous than me.
"I just see it as another fight. To me, every fight has been a world title. I treat every single fight as a world title - no matter what."
In March, Motu announced herself to New Zealand and the world by claiming the super bantamweight belt.
This weekend, she'll co-headline with fellow-Northlander Daniels, whose own heavyweight title goes on the line against South African Razel Mohammed.
"I'm already getting a headache from the excitement of turning up here," said Daniels. "The bright lights, the ring, it's just making it that much more real.
"It's hard not to get excited."
In good news for Motu, she's been given an exemption to take medication in addition to her usual asthma inhaler for a lung infection. Whether she'll need them is up for debate.
As for the tactics for the fight…
"We've been practising her inside work," said Zen Peach.
Straight, from the coach's mouth.
