Makini Manu made a thunderous statement at Power Slap 14, proving once again why he’s the most feared man in the super heavyweight division. Taking on Duane Crespo — who was giving up over 140 pounds — Manu powered his way to a third-round knockout victory, improving his record to 5-0 and making his case for a title shot stronger than ever.
The Calm Before the Storm
Before the match even began, Manu had fans talking when he stood calmly with his eyes closed after absorbing Crespo’s first strike.
“I really didn’t feel anything come across my face,” he said. “So I wasn’t sure if he even hit me.”
Despite the apparent stoicism, Manu admitted the moment was both strategic and instinctive — a reflection of his confidence heading into the bout.
“This Is My Division”
The size advantage was massive — the largest of the night — and Manu made it known that super heavyweight is his domain.
“I’ve told Dwayne Crespo many times he doesn’t belong in the super heavyweight division,” Manu declared. “This is my division.”
He followed up by saying he’s been ready for a title shot since Power Slap 6. “Now we’re at Power Slap 14. I’ll take every paycheck they give me, but I’ve been the best.”
Adjustments and Strategy
While his first-round strike looked slightly off, Manu said it was more about shock that Crespo stayed standing.
“I thought he was going to get knocked out… that first strike, my wrist was kind of hurting,” he explained. “But I stuck with the right hand. He’s only been knocked out with the right.”
By the second round, Manu found his groove and applied pressure with increased accuracy and composure.
“I slap at least 50 times with each hand every single day,” he revealed. “When it comes to slapping, I’m extra prepared.”
Knockout and Crowd Roar
The third-round finish might have looked light to viewers, but it was perfectly placed.
“That actually felt like a soft slap,” Manu laughed. “I didn’t even see him fall. I just heard the crowd and said, ‘Thank you for coming.’”
He’s now 5-0 and hungry for gold.
Respect for Crespo’s Heart
Despite the trash talk, Manu praised Dwayne Crespo for taking the fight at such a size disadvantage.
“He’s one of the toughest guys out there,” Manu said. “All respect to him for even taking this fight. 140-pound weight difference is wild.”
Manu also reflected on the imbalance: “In sumo wrestling, we throw each other. But to strike each other? That’s different.”
Eat, Slap, Sleep, Repeat
When asked about durability, Manu didn’t hesitate.
“Nobody’s ever rocked me inside this league,” he said. “My motto is: eat, slap, sleep, repeat.”
He emphasized his preference for power and precision, noting that he prefers to strike with his left hand, but switched to his right for this matchup based on film study.
“I wasn’t going to risk my left hand for nothing.”
With five straight wins and another knockout added to his resume, Makini Manu has made it loud and clear: He’s not just chasing a title — he’s defining the division.