Pavol Horelican is ready to take a major risk in the biggest fight of his Power Slap career. After scoring an impressive first-round knockout over Mirza Jahic at Power Slap 17, the Slovakian striker will return against the undefeated Louis Robinson at Power Slap 22 in Belgrade, Serbia.
The matchup comes with an added challenge for Horelican, who is moving up from light heavyweight to compete against a natural heavyweight. Rather than turning down the opportunity, “Glitch” immediately accepted the fight and began preparing to prove that his speed, explosiveness and knockout power can carry into a larger division.
With both competitors bringing previous slap-fighting experience and proven finishing ability, Horelican believes the matchup has all the ingredients needed to become one of the most exciting fights on the card.
Competing In Serbia Feels Almost Like A Home Event
Power Slap 22 will be the promotion’s first event in Europe, making the trip significantly easier for Horelican than travelling to the United States.
Belgrade is only around an eight-hour drive from his home, meaning Horelican and his training partner, Peter Truchlik, will be competing much closer to familiar territory.
“It’s almost going to feel like we are fighting in front of a home crowd,” Horelican said.
When the Serbia event was first announced, his immediate reaction was that he needed to be involved. Travel complications had limited his opportunities after Power Slap 17, but bringing the promotion to Eastern Europe opened the door for his return.
For Horelican, simply being included on such a historic card already makes the event special.
Horelican Accepted The Challenge Of Moving Up To Heavyweight
Horelican competed at approximately 200 pounds during his previous Power Slap appearance, placing him naturally within the light heavyweight division.
This time, he was offered a heavyweight matchup against Robinson.
“That’s the fight I’ve been offered, so it’s a challenge and a step up for me,” Horelican explained.
He has increased his weight to approximately 210 pounds but has no intention of adding unnecessary size simply to look like a traditional heavyweight. Horelican wants to remain lean and preserve the speed and explosiveness that make his strike dangerous.
Rather than forcing his body into a heavier frame, he is trying to find the balance where he feels strongest without sacrificing athleticism.
Light Heavyweight Remains His Long-Term Division
Although Horelican is willing to test himself at heavyweight, he does not currently plan to remain in the division permanently.
He views light heavyweight as his natural home and believes his body is best suited to competing there.
“I want to stay at light heavyweight,” he said. “That’s much better for me. It’s my natural weight.”
Horelican also dismissed the idea that he is moving up to avoid competing in the same division as Truchlik. His training partner is currently further ahead in the title picture, but Horelican believes they can each pursue their own opportunities without standing in one another’s way.
The Robinson fight is simply an opportunity he was unwilling to reject.
“You give me somebody, I say, ‘Let’s do it.’”
Louis Robinson Presents Horelican’s Toughest Test Yet
Horelican has previous experience outside Power Slap and entered the promotion as an established slap fighter rather than a complete newcomer.
Robinson also competed before joining Power Slap and has remained undefeated throughout his career.
“Louis is a tough guy and a tough opponent,” Horelican said. “He hasn’t lost yet.”
Horelican respects Robinson’s technique, particularly his powerful rotational strike and ability to generate force despite being shorter than many of the heavyweights he faces.
Both competitors are entering the matchup with something to prove. Horelican wants to show that he can succeed after moving up a division, while Robinson will be trying to maintain his unbeaten record against another experienced striker.
Horelican expects both men to be seriously tested.
Robinson’s Unusual Heavyweight Build Creates A New Challenge
Horelican generally prefers facing taller opponents because their height can make the target more comfortable for him.
Robinson presents a different problem.
He carries heavyweight size on a shorter frame, giving him a compact and powerful build that Horelican does not encounter frequently.
“Louis is something special because he’s heavier and he’s smaller,” Horelican explained.
That physical structure could affect Horelican’s measuring process and striking angle. While they may be relatively similar in height, Robinson’s weight and density make him a completely different challenge from the opponents Horelican usually faces.
The Slovakian is confident in his ability to adjust, but he acknowledges that Robinson’s build adds another unpredictable element to the matchup.
The Coin Toss Could Be Crucial
Both Horelican and Robinson have demonstrated legitimate knockout power, but neither man has been fully tested defensively inside Power Slap.
Horelican believes the fight is likely to continue beyond the opening round, although he is unsure how many clean strikes either athlete will be able to absorb.
“I think this fight is going to go more than one round,” he said. “But I’m not sure how many of those slaps we’ll be able to absorb.”
Because both men are capable of causing immediate damage, the opening coin toss could have a major impact. Securing the first strike could allow one competitor to take control before the other has an opportunity to answer.
Horelican is eager to test his own chin, but he also believes Robinson has never faced anyone who hits quite as hard as he does.
Training With Peter Truchlik Raises The Standard
Horelican has spent much of his preparation working alongside Truchlik, one of the top light heavyweights in Power Slap.
He describes his teammate as a “freak of nature” whose ability and work ethic force everyone around him to improve.
“It’s really hard to keep up with somebody like Peter,” Horelican admitted.
Rather than becoming discouraged by the gap between them, Horelican uses Truchlik’s progress as motivation. His goal is to train as hard as possible, continue closing the distance and follow the example his teammate has set.
Working with a high-level competitor every day has also given Horelican a clearer understanding of what will be required to eventually become a title contender himself.
Horelican Has Focused Heavily On His Defense
While Horelican and Truchlik train together, their routines are not identical.
Horelican typically trains four or five days per week, combining strength work and bodybuilding-style exercises with sport-specific preparation.
A major portion of his camp has been dedicated to improving his ability to receive strikes.
“I especially focus on my slaps and obviously my defense,” he said. “Training my neck, training my traps and stuff like that.”
Moving into the heavyweight division makes defensive preparation even more important. Robinson possesses enough power to punish any weakness in Horelican’s stance, neck strength or ability to remain composed after contact.
Horelican understands that his offense may win the fight, but his defense could determine whether he gets the opportunity to use it.
Power Slap 22 Will Feature A More Refined Version Of Glitch
Horelican felt completely prepared when he defeated Mirza Jahic at Power Slap 17.
Since then, his focus has not been on rebuilding his technique but on improving the foundation already in place.
He believes development becomes more gradual once an athlete reaches a certain level. Instead of making dramatic changes, Horelican has spent months improving small details in his strike, defense and physical preparation.
“You just build slowly, day by day,” he explained. “It’s not huge steps like when you were starting.”
Those incremental improvements may not be obvious until he steps onto the stage, but Horelican expects to be a more complete competitor than the version fans saw during his debut.
Power Slap’s European Debut Could Grow The Sport
Horelican believes Power Slap 22 has the potential to introduce the sport to a much larger European audience.
Slap fighting does not yet have the same level of mainstream recognition in Europe that Power Slap has developed in the United States. A major live event featuring several international stars could begin changing that.
“I hope it’s going to bring a new audience to Power Slap,” Horelican said.
The card includes major names, regional athletes and the inaugural women’s featherweight title fight between Abby Montes and Sheena Bathory.
Horelican believes the combination makes it the perfect event for Power Slap’s European debut, and he is proud to be part of a potentially historic night for the sport.
A Win At Heavyweight Would Make A Major Statement
For Horelican, the fight against Robinson is about far more than earning another paycheck.
Most competitors look for opportunities to move down in weight and face smaller opponents. Horelican is doing the opposite by stepping into a heavier division during only his second Power Slap appearance.
“This fight is a statement,” he said.
Horelican understands the risk involved, but he believes defeating an undefeated heavyweight would significantly raise his profile across multiple divisions.
A victory would demonstrate that he is willing to accept difficult challenges and that his power remains dangerous regardless of the weight class.
He also hopes his decision encourages other athletes to focus less on weight advantages and become more willing to accept the fights placed in front of them.
“When life tells you to come have a dance, you go and have a dance.”
Horelican Wants To Remain Active During His Prime
At 32 years old, Horelican believes he is entering the strongest stage of his athletic career.
Ideally, he would like to compete three or four times per year, although he would consider two or three appearances acceptable.
“I want to be pretty active,” he said. “I see myself just getting into my prime.”
Horelican estimates that he may have another five to seven years at his highest level. That awareness has created a sense of urgency around his career.
He does not want long stretches of inactivity to prevent him from taking full advantage of the years in which he feels physically capable of competing against the best.
A Life Built Around Work And Training
Outside Power Slap, Horelican works in construction.
His daily life is built around a simple and demanding routine of working, training, eating correctly and getting enough sleep.
“I threw all the misleading things out of my life,” he explained. “I’m just strictly focused.”
For the past several years, he has eliminated many of the distractions that previously occupied his time. Horelican admits that he does not have much fun outside training anymore, but he believes the sacrifice is necessary if he wants to make the most of his opportunity.
There will be time to relax later. For now, his priority is giving himself the best possible chance to succeed.
Pavol Horelican Is Ready To Take A Risk In Serbia
Pavol Horelican could have waited for a more comfortable matchup in his natural weight division.
Instead, he accepted an undefeated opponent, moved up to heavyweight and placed himself in one of the most dangerous fights at Power Slap 22.
The matchup against Louis Robinson will test Horelican’s power, speed, technique and ability to absorb heavyweight strikes. It will also give him the opportunity to make a statement far beyond the light heavyweight division.
If Horelican succeeds in Serbia, his willingness to take the risk could become the moment that transforms him from a promising newcomer into one of Power Slap’s most intriguing rising contenders.