Las Vegas, NV — Former professional rugby and football standout James is set to make his Power Slap debut at Power Slap 15 on October 3rd in Las Vegas, where he’ll face fellow super heavyweight Cedric Alliant. With both athletes boasting serious size and athletic pedigree, this matchup promises to be one of the most explosive of the night.
From Rugby Collisions to Slap Fighting
James is no stranger to violent impacts. A longtime rugby veteran, he spent years colliding head-on with opponents with little to no protective gear. That mentality, he says, has prepared him for the world of Power Slap.
“In rugby, you know you’re going to get hurt and you just deal with it. It’s the same thing here. Eventually, you’re going to get hit. Of course it hurts — it’s about the mental space you put yourself in.”
Facing Cedric Alliant
Both men stood out at the most recent Power Slap combine, but James admits he paid special attention to the super heavyweights in anticipation of a possible matchup.
“Cedric’s a big guy, a proven athlete, but nothing I saw made me feel like this is going to go bad for me,” James said. “I’m confident. He’s going to get a rude awakening.”
Training for the Big Stage
Preparation for James has revolved around building the one thing every champion stressed to him — neck strength.
“Talking to some of the champs, they all said the same thing: work on your neck. I’m already a big guy, but I’ve been making sure my neck and core can handle three to five rounds. I’m not here to foul or take unnecessary shots. I want to absorb and return clean, powerful slaps.”
James’ training includes daily sessions in a private gym, a diet fit for a super heavyweight, and constant refinement of technique.
“I’ve been eating whole chickens, gallons of milk, and staying hydrated. At the combine, I weighed 375 pounds. By fight night, I’ll be around 385 — in muscle, hopefully.”
Learning from the Best
During his time in Las Vegas, James learned from Power Slap champions Robert Trujillo, Brandon Baucus, and Anthony “Babyface” Blackburn. He continues to lean on their advice as he gets closer to fight night.
“I’m keeping my brain like a sponge. People think it’s just a slap — it’s not. There’s a lot of technique involved. I still message the champs if I have questions because I don’t want to be unprepared.”
Keys to Victory
Tactically, James is focused on adjusting his strike to match Cedric’s size.
“Cedric’s chin is high, but I’ve been practicing with taller training partners to get the angle right. My plan is simple: measure up, swing clean, and deliver damage.”
And when asked for a final message to his opponent, James didn’t hesitate:
“Good luck, buddy — you’re gonna need it.”