The light heavyweight showdown between Vern “The Mechanic” Cathey and Austin Turpin at Power Slap 14 isn’t just another match—it’s shaping up to be the people’s main event.
“This is the BMF title fight of Power Slap,” Cathey told Slap News. “Brandon and Isaiah are out—put us at the top of the card and just let us go. It’s what the people want.”
The two will face off in a catchweight clash at 225 lbs in New Orleans on July 18, marking their second meeting inside the Power Slap arena.
“You’re Handing Me the Best Chance to Win” – Vern Welcomes the 225 Catchweight
The last time these two met, Turpin weighed in at 215, while Cathey came in at 205. This time, the agreed 225-pound catchweight plays directly into Vern’s favor.
“I walk around at 225. Before, I had to cut, but now I can eat and drink. This is the best-case scenario for me,” he explained. “For Austin, it just means he doesn’t have to cut weight. For me, it means I’m coming in totally hydrated and ready.”
No Regrets About the Wolverine Fight—But Something to Prove
Vern is coming off a tough loss to Wolverine, but he’s not second-guessing anything.
“Wolverine hit me good. I lost, he won, and I’m not going to complain. But I’ll say this: ask anyone—does the beard help? He couldn’t give an honest answer. That tells you something.”
Still, Vern sees his upcoming bout as a chance to rewrite the script, both for himself and for the fans.
“This sport needs entertaining matches. Me and Turpin? We’re entertaining, period. It’s not about rankings. It’s about putting on a show.”
Training for a Different Austin Turpin
Vern knows Turpin has had a year to improve, and he’s not underestimating him.
“He’s not dumb enough to hit me the same way again. He’s going to come in harder. I have to be ready for someone like AJ Hintz or Allen Klingbeil—clean, hard hits.”
Cutting Smart, Staying Sharp
One key change for Vern this time around? Smarter weight management.
“I’m staying hydrated. No sauna. No crazy water cut. That’s been a mistake before. This time, I’m going to come in clean, healthy, and fully fueled.”
Unfinished Business with Turpin: “I Should’ve Had the Belt”
For Vern, this fight is personal.
“Austin beat Wolverine but missed weight. That should’ve been my belt. I beat him after that, but didn’t get the title. Every time I face him, that’s in the back of my mind.”
Division in Limbo—And Vern’s Ready to Take the Lead
With recent shake-ups in the light heavyweight division, there’s uncertainty about who’s next in line.
“I wanted Wolverine to beat Russell. I wanted Luke to beat Allen. None of that happened. If I win this, it puts me right back at the top. They’ll have to ask, ‘Do we give Vern a rematch or give Russell a shot?’”
Final Message to Austin Turpin
“Bring your A-game. I’ve proved I belong here. You’ve fumbled a lot. If you’re going to beat me, you better be at your best. But I don’t think it’s going to go well for you.”
Power Slap 14: The People’s Fight is Coming
As Power Slap heads to New Orleans with its biggest crowd yet, one thing’s for sure: Vern Cathey vs. Austin Turpin will be one of the most anticipated matches of the night.
Catch the action July 18 as Power Slap 14 goes down in front of a sold-out crowd on Bourbon Street.