Anthony “Babyface” Blackburn is heading to Saudi Arabia for Power Slap 17 — and this one’s personal. He’ll be facing Cole Young for the second time, looking to erase the only blemish on his record: a draw from their first matchup in 2023.
“This one’s huge for me,” Blackburn said. “I would call it a blemish just because everything I’ve done so far has been top-notch, a championship mindset. So to get a W here and erase that tie from the past — it’s like a winner-take-all match.”
Evolved and refined
That first clash with Cole Young came early in Babyface’s Power Slap journey. Now, seven matches deep and holding championship gold, Blackburn says he’s a completely different fighter.
“I was just thinking about it today,” he explained. “My first actual training camp was for that first Cole Young match. Back then, we didn’t even have the proper training gear. I was literally slapping a pool noodle. Once I got the training head, that’s when things changed — I became more precise, more powerful, and a lot more refined.”
He’s carried that growth ever since, putting in consistent work between every bout. “I haven’t really taken time off,” he said. “I’ve just been building my craft and evolving nonstop.”
Respect for Cole Young — but no room for mercy
Cole Young has had an up-and-down career in Power Slap, taking losses to elite names like Manny Muniz and Jules Scott but also picking up key wins over Rodolave, Zach Zane, and Jay Rivera.
“Everyone’s dangerous in this sport,” Babyface said. “Anyone can have their day. I know Cole’s had a lot going on in his personal life with his family, but I’m sure he’s been training behind the scenes. I’m not underestimating him — I’m just more prepared than ever.”
Advantage of being the shorter striker
Height isn’t everything in Power Slap, and Blackburn believes his stature works to his advantage. “It’s way harder to swing down,” he said. “Being the shorter competitor gives me a bit of an edge. As long as I get my measure right, I can reach just fine. It’s all about that striking position.”
Mutual respect, shared awareness
Despite the competitive tension, there’s no bad blood between Blackburn and Young. “We’re definitely not sour at each other,” he said. “When we were in Vegas for promos, we hung out, had dinner, shot pool. He’s one of the better competitors in the sport, and what he does for awareness around CDG and other rare diseases is great for the sport. We both represent something bigger than just the matches.”
First headliner and a new milestone
Power Slap 17 marks Babyface’s first time headlining a major event — and he’s embracing the moment. “I’ve always been co-main,” he said. “This is my first headliner, and I’m super excited to see those billboards with me and Cole up there in Riyadh.”
From Dave & Buster’s to bars across America, Blackburn’s face has been showing up on promotional posters — a surreal reminder of how far he’s come. “It’s wild seeing that,” he said. “From small-town kid to seeing your name on a Power Slap poster halfway around the world.”
Why he still does it
Three title defenses in, Blackburn’s motivation hasn’t wavered. “Since day one, this was about testing myself,” he said. “I’ve never been in a fight before Power Slap. This is how I test myself as a man — against the best competitors in the world. It’s the best decision I’ve ever made.”
At 34, he isn’t slowing down. “We’re guns blazing,” he said. “We’re just now getting up to speed. The welterweight division needs action — and I’m the one bringing it.”
Message to Cole Young
“Cole Young, we had a crazy first match,” Blackburn said with a grin. “But this time? Expect 10 times more fireworks. I’ve got a couple more matches under my belt now, and I’m ready. Hope you are too.”
Power Slap 17 goes down in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia — and with Babyface and Young set to run it back, this one’s shaping up to be an all-out war.