After battling through injury, exhaustion, and a brutal debut, Mirza “The Boss” Berhamovic is back — stronger, sharper, and hungrier than ever. Set to face Pavol Horelican at Power Slap 17 in Saudi Arabia, the charismatic Bosnian fighter says this is the version of himself fans were meant to see all along.
“It feels good to be back,” Berhamovic told Slap News. “I got the news a few weeks ago and I’ve been pumped ever since. I learned a lot from my first experience, and this time, I’m healthier, smarter, and ready to go.”
Overcoming Injury and Adversity
Berhamovic’s debut at Power Slap 13 didn’t go as planned — and now we know why. Behind the scenes, he was dealing with serious injuries that nearly kept him from competing at all.
“A week before the combine, I tore my LCL and fractured my tibia,” he revealed. “I didn’t tell Power Slap. I just got a brace, hid it under my sweats, and kept going. I couldn’t even do cardio. I had to cut weight by barely eating.”
The effects were obvious on fight night. Drained, pale, and underfed, Berhamovic says he wasn’t himself — but he pushed through anyway.
“I looked bad, I felt bad, but I still went out there,” he said. “No excuses — I did what I could. But I’ve learned from it.”
Now, months later, he’s back in full health, training at SBG Idaho, and feeling more powerful than ever.
“This time around, it’s completely different,” he said. “I can train properly, eat properly, and do cardio. I’m heavier, faster, stronger, and way more experienced.”
Lessons From the First Fight
Despite the loss, Berhamovic says his first Power Slap outing gave him invaluable insight into what works — and what doesn’t — when you’re standing at the table.
“I learned that technique is everything,” he explained. “In my debut, I didn’t use my hips or leverage — I just slapped how I practiced. Even without proper form, I almost took him out. Now that I’ve learned how to use full-body power, my slap is completely different.”
He also takes pride in his toughness.
“My last opponent hit me three times, clean, hard, right on the spot — and I didn’t drop,” Berhamovic said. “That showed me I’ve got a chin. Now I’ve got the experience to match it.”
Studying His Opponent
His opponent at Power Slap 17, Pavol Horelican, brings a short but violent resume from the British slap circuit — but Berhamovic isn’t overly concerned.
“I saw his bout in BritSlap,” he said. “He’s a tough guy, short and stocky, seems like a killer. But I can’t focus on him — I have to focus on me. I’ve learned from my first fight, and I’m not making the same mistakes.”
Berhamovic has been sitting around 228 pounds in training, aiming to enter the match healthy and fueled — not depleted.
“Last time, I had to starve myself,” he said. “This time, I can eat and still get the weight off. Between 220 and 225 feels perfect.”
The Boss Is Back
As always, Berhamovic brings his trademark charisma and confidence to the fight.
“They can expect ‘The Boss’ to go up there and show who’s really built for this,” he said. “I’ve already proven I can take shots — now it’s time to show I can end fights. Whoever gets the coin toss, I don’t care. I’m coming in there to kill or be killed — and I plan on doing the killing.”
And to Pavol Horelican, his message is simple:
“See you October 31st, my friend.”
With full health, a new camp, and a fire in his eyes, Mirza “The Boss” Berhamovic looks ready to turn Power Slap 17 into his true coming-out party — and maybe start a new highlight reel in the process.