After a grueling battle at Power Slap 17 in Saudi Arabia, Anthony “Babyface” Blackburn — one of the most decorated fighters in Power Slap history — sat down to reflect on his performance, the challenges of fighting overseas, and what’s next for his storied career.
“Good to be back home.”
Fresh off his first loss in years, Blackburn’s tone was humble but composed.
“Well, good to be back home,” he said with a grin. “We’ll just say that. Good to be back home.”
For a man who’s long stood atop the welterweight division — alongside names like Damien Dibbell — the result was a rare setback. But for Blackburn, it was also an opportunity for growth.
“A lot of time and preparation — and the sport evolved.”
Heading into the fight, Cole Young was the only blemish on Blackburn’s near-perfect record — a tie that had lingered for two years. Their rematch carried high stakes.
“A lot of time and preparation went into this,” Blackburn said. “The sport has definitely evolved over the last two years.”
When asked if his constant activity might’ve hindered him, Blackburn shook his head.
“No, I don’t think it did. Things happen for everybody eventually. Every dog has his day. I could’ve done some things differently, and I’ll make those changes moving forward.”
“Saudi wasn’t like Vegas at all.”
Despite his professionalism, Blackburn admitted the Power Slap 17 fight week in Saudi Arabia didn’t feel right from the start.
“It was a terrible week,” he said candidly. “I stayed in the hotel the whole time, didn’t really sleep good. It was boring. Not like a Vegas fight week at all.”
Without the Vegas crowd’s electricity, Blackburn struggled to find his usual rhythm.
“I like to play off the crowd,” he explained. “It gives me energy. In Saudi, it just wasn’t the same.”
“Getting dropped was detrimental to my power.”
Blackburn started strong, battling through the opening rounds. After dropping Cole Young in the second and stumbling him again in the third, it looked like momentum had swung in his favor — until the middle rounds changed everything.
“After getting dropped, it was crucial,” he admitted. “I couldn’t deliver the same kind of strikes after that. I was ahead on the scorecards, but that knockdown really hurt my power.”
“It’s from the thumb — right here on the temple.”
Fans noticed visible bruising under Blackburn’s left eye following the fight. He explained the injury came from a stray part of Young’s hand.
“It’s probably from the thumb,” he said, pointing to his temple. “It didn’t really blacken until the next day. On stage I could see fine — no issues with my vision.”
“Bordeaux’s a great coach — always has your best interest at heart.”
Throughout the fight, Blackburn’s corner was animated — led by his longtime coach Bordeaux.
“He’s a great coach,” Blackburn said. “He always has your best interest at heart. I could’ve taken a point for the flinch earlier, and maybe the scorecards would’ve been closer, but I made the right call. I was going for the knockout.”
“Cole definitely has a heavier hand than most.”
Even with all his experience, Blackburn gave credit where it was due.
“He definitely has a heavier hand than most,” he admitted. “When I felt his power, I could tell it was different.”
“I’m not gonna be on the internet making excuses.”
Now back home, the former champion is focused on rest, recovery, and perspective.
“I definitely need some time off,” he said. “Whatever they call me with next, that’s what I’m going with. I’m not gonna be on here bitching on the internet or making excuses. I’ll get back to training and be ready for whoever.”
As for timing, he’s already got a plan.
“Probably four to six months. They sent me the protocol email today. I’ve been taking the amino heal they gave us a while back, so I’ll be good to go soon.”
“Still a champ at heart.”
Even in defeat, Anthony Blackburn carried himself like a champion — composed, respectful, and focused on improvement.
“Every dog has his day,” he said. “I’ll learn from it and come back stronger.”
And fans know he means it — because when Babyface walks back onto that Power Slap stage, it won’t be for redemption.
It’ll be for retribution.