The Dark Horse Rises
Ke’ali’i Kanekoa isn’t just here to compete—he’s here to take over.
After back-to-back dominant performances, the rising star of Power Slap’s light heavyweight division has his eyes set on one thing: the championship.
But before he can challenge for the title, he must get past a true OG of the sport, Wesley Drain, at Power Slap XII on March 7 in Las Vegas.
“I’m running through everyone to make sure I establish myself at the very top,” Kanekoa stated.
With the division undergoing massive changes, this fight could be a defining moment in the race for the next title shot.
A Fight That Had to Happen
At one point, Wesley Drain’s future in Power Slap was uncertain. Rumors swirled that he was moving down in weight, but now it’s clear—he’s staying at light heavyweight, and he’s coming straight for Kanekoa.
For Kanekoa, it doesn’t matter who stands in his way.
“If it’s Aziel, if it’s Wesley, if it’s anyone—it doesn’t matter. It’s just another number to me,” he said.
Kanekoa believes that a win over an OG like Drain could solidify him as the true dark horse of the division, forcing the top contenders—including current champ Isaiah Quinones and #1 contender Brandon Bordeaux—to take notice.
Kanekoa’s Relentless Climb Up the Ranks
With Darren Godfrey and Ke’ali’i Kanekoa surging into the top of the division, the light heavyweight division is undergoing a major shift.
With former contenders like Wesley Drain returning to action, the division is stacked with high-level competitors, making every fight crucial.
Kanekoa knows that this fight is his golden ticket to a potential title eliminator.
“Right now, I just see the title wrapped around my waist. My focus is getting the job done against Wesley and moving on to the next,” he declared.
The Battle of the Barefoot Warriors?
One unique storyline in this fight is that both Kanekoa and Drain are known for fighting barefoot—something rarely seen in Power Slap.
Could this be the first-ever barefoot vs. barefoot matchup?
“It could be! I know Wesley has done it before, and I feel great being barefoot up there. It just makes me feel grounded, like I’m back home on the beach,” Kanekoa explained.
Drain once even tried to wear slides onto the Power Slap stage, but was forced to remove them.
“That would have been cool! In Hawaii, slapping someone with a slipper is actually a sign of disrespect, so maybe I’ll bring that energy to the stage,” Kanekoa joked.
Kanekoa on Wesley Drain: “I Have Nothing to Worry About”
Despite Drain’s legendary status, Kanekoa doesn’t seem intimidated.
“I have nothing to worry about with Wesley. He’s a warrior, just like me, but I’m the dark horse of this division. I’m here to take over.”
While Kanekoa respects Drain’s experience, he sees this fight as a stepping stone to bigger things.
“Wesley’s had his time. Now it’s mine.”
Kanekoa’s Future Plans: “I Want Isaiah Quinones Next”
Kanekoa isn’t hiding his ambitions. While he’s focused on Wesley Drain, his long-term target is clear—he wants to fight for the belt.
“I don’t care who wins between Isaiah and Brandon. But if Isaiah does, I want him next,” Kanekoa stated.
Quinones is already a three-time defending champion, and Kanekoa would love to be the man who ends his reign.
“He’s defended that belt three times already. I want to be the one who takes it away from him.”
Final Words for Wesley Drain
Kanekoa kept it short and simple for his upcoming opponent.
“Everyone’s talking about how I don’t want smoke… I definitely want smoke. Let’s get it done.”
This fight is a true clash of old school vs. new school. Will Drain prove that the OGs still run the division, or will Kanekoa’s rise to the top continue?
Find out March 7 at Power Slap XII, live from Fontainebleau, Las Vegas!
🔥 Who do you think takes this one—Kanekoa or Drain? Drop your predictions below! 🔥