A long-awaited debut moment finally arrives
After nearly a year circling the Power Slap scene waiting for the right opportunity, Jaco “Groot Wit” Marneweck finally stepped onto the big stage at Power Slap 17 — and delivered a career-launching performance. Facing Denis Vildanov, the heaviest slap fighter in Power Slap history, Marneweck refused to be intimidated. He walked through the moment, embraced the pressure, and walked away with a massive victory in his official debut.
Fighting the heaviest athlete in Power Slap history
Vildanov tipped the scales 40 kilograms heavier than Marneweck, making him the biggest athlete the sport has ever seen. But “Groot Wit” didn’t flinch. He revealed that advice from backstage helped him zone in on the only thing that mattered — landing clean on the jaw, not matching the weight.
Marneweck wanted a clean knockout but instead secured three knockdowns, forcing a TKO and silencing doubts about whether he could handle the size difference.
Eating Vildanov’s first strike changed everything
Once Marneweck survived the massive first shot, the entire fight changed.
He laughed after absorbing it — a moment he believes broke Vildanov’s confidence.
“As soon as he hit me and I could eat that shot like it was a home-cooked meal, I felt great. I knew I was going to win this match.”
Pure disbelief as Denis kept getting up
Even after dropping Vildanov twice, Marneweck was stunned to see the giant rise again.
After the second knockdown, he even shouted in disbelief:
“How the hell did you get up again?”
The mental challenge of figuring out how to put away such a massive opponent became one of the biggest tests of the night. The third knockdown finally sealed the victory.
The mental battle was bigger than the physical battle
For Marneweck, the match was 80% mental.
A debut, an international stage, millions watching online, and the pressure of fighting the largest man in the division all weighed on him.
“You know your technique, you know your strength — but mentally, walking up to the biggest dude in your first match… that’s the challenge.”
Calling out Dumpling: “I want to take out the Russians”
With the biggest man already checked off his list, Marneweck didn’t hesitate when asked who he wants next:
Dumpling.
“If it was up to me, I’d be the first guy to take out Dumpling. I want to take out all the Russians on the roster. It’s a mental thing for me.”
He even reminded Dumpling back at Power Slap 11 to hold onto the belt — because he was coming for it.
A potential South African showdown with Danny Van Heerden
If Dumpling doesn’t return to Power Slap, another matchup looms: fellow South African Danny Van Heerden. Though close friends, both men know the fight may have to happen.
“He’s a mentor to me. A great guy. We’d be friends before and after — but on stage, it’s a different game. Whatever they put in front of me, it’s a war.”
Massive virality proves his star potential
Marneweck’s debut is already making waves online — his early prelim bout has racked up more than 5.4 million views, one of the highest numbers for a prelim in Power Slap history.
With that kind of traction, he believes the next call from the promotion won’t be far away.
What’s next for Groot Wit?
Jaco “Groot Wit” Marneweck made a statement at Power Slap 17 by taking out the heaviest fighter the sport has ever seen. Whether it’s Dumpling, Danny Van Heerden, or another top contender, Marneweck has entered the conversation as one of the most exciting newcomers in the heavyweight landscape.