After a nearly year-long layoff, James “Iron Chin” Siekmann is back—and he’s coming in lighter, faster, and hungrier than ever. Set to face Pono Paul in a rematch at Power Slap 13 on June 27, Siekmann isn’t just looking to settle the score—he’s aiming to make a statement in the heavyweight division.
“It feels good to be back,” Siekmann told Slap News. “I’ve dropped 50 pounds, focused on my accuracy, and I’m coming to end this one early.”
Running It Back with Pono Paul
The last time these two met, the fight ended prematurely due to an injury. Now, with both strikers coming in at full strength, Siekmann says it’s time to set the record straight.
“I like Pono, man. He’s way better than his record shows. But this is a rematch, and I’m here to win—clean and clear.”
Despite the respect, Siekmann believes the rematch could launch him into title contention—especially if it ends in a knockout.
“If I get a KO in round one or two, I think I should be fighting Damien ‘DeBell’ Dibbell next.”
Down 50 Pounds, But Still Heavyweight Focused
Siekmann’s transformation is hard to ignore—he’s slimmed down from 270 to 217 lbs and feels better than ever.
“I feel fast, light, and lean. I want to look like the heavyweight champ when I’m up there.”
While the drop has raised speculation about a possible move to light heavyweight, Siekmann says the goal remains the heavyweight title.
“After a few title defenses, maybe I go down. But for now, it’s all about heavyweight.”
Improving the Craft—Precision Over Brute Force
Known for his chin and durability, Siekmann admits his previous fight against Nate Bernard taught him valuable lessons in positioning and accuracy.
“I thought I had to scoot back. Turns out I just needed to step forward and plant my feet better. This time, I’ve been working on hitting the target dead on.”
And while he’s still got the power, James is focused on being more precise with each strike.
On His Opponents and Power Slap 13 Predictions
James didn’t shy away from offering his take on the rest of the card:
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Blackburn vs. Rodriguez: “If I had to bet, I’d say Aziel. He’s more experienced, and cutting down in weight might help him.”
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Wolverine vs. Russell: “Wolverine’s accuracy and power are a problem. I don’t see Russell surviving if it goes past one or two rounds.”
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Dumpling vs. Dave Vena: “My guess? Dumpling sleeps him in round two or three. We’ve seen Vena get wobbled before.”
Final Message to Pono Paul
With all the mutual respect in the world, Siekmann kept his final message short:
“Let’s get it, bro. Then we move on to the next one.”
Catch James Siekmann vs. Pono Paul at Power Slap 13
📍 Event: Power Slap 13
📅 Date: June 27, 2025
🏆 Division: Heavyweight
🎯 Mission: Knockout. Clear the path to a title shot.
James Siekmann is lighter, sharper, and more dangerous than ever. He’s not just fighting to win—he’s fighting to rise to the top of the heavyweight division.
Stay locked to Slap News for more Power Slap 13 coverage, including exclusive fighter interviews, predictions, and behind-the-scenes content from Vegas.