By Slap News | April 2025
John Davis is never short on words — or squirrels stealing his strawberry plants. As one of Power Slap’s most seasoned veterans and the former face of the middleweight division, Davis recently joined us to talk all things Power Slap: from a scrapped matchup with Austin Turpin, to title contention, to the future of the sport — and yes, he has a message for everyone in his division.
“One of Them Stole a Strawberry Plant. Some Bullshit.”
Welcome to spring in Ohio. While squirrels are wreaking havoc in Davis’ backyard, the rumors were flying in Las Vegas about a potential fight for Davis at Power Slap XII.
“Yeah, I was supposed to have been there. I said yes to a match against Turpin,” Davis confirmed. “But within a week’s time, it fell out. They didn’t even have time to come up with some crappy artwork for us. It was gone as fast as it came.”
The potential bout would have seen Davis jump to light heavyweight to face fan favorite Austin Turpin, a surprising matchup given Davis has long competed at 185.
“It made absolutely no sense,” Davis laughed. “I got the call, and I just started giggling for a week. It was weird, but it helped break me out of a funk. It reminded me of the early days — the wild west. I didn’t even have to diet. Just eat whatever, train different, go for it.”
“I Still Think I Deserve the Next Title Shot”
With the middleweight belt currently on ice due to Brandon Moreno’s medical suspension, Davis isn’t looking to wait on the sidelines.
“No matter what, I still think I deserve the next title shot,” Davis declared. “I’ve had a longer reign than both Brandon and Isaiah. Less controversial fights. Fewer question marks. The accolades should speak for themselves.”
That said, Davis isn’t afraid to stay active. Whether it’s Darren Godfrey, The Chief, or someone else in the top 10, Davis is ready to throw hands.
“Everyone’s tougher than fuck right now,” he said. “The division’s finally what it should be. Bombs everywhere. There’s no reason middleweight should be overshadowed by any other class right now.”
On the Isaiah vs. Brandon Trilogy: “No One Wants to Watch That”
Despite the buzz online, Davis isn’t exactly sold on a third fight between Brandon Moreno and Isaiah Quinones.
“No one wants to honestly watch that,” Davis said bluntly. “That’s my personal opinion. I haven’t bitched and complained all over social media after a loss. I handled my business and moved on. Their last two fights were both controversial. Why run it back again?”
“Wesley Drain’s Fight Was Just the Name of the Game”
Asked about Wesley Drain’s KO loss to The Chief at Power Slap XII, Davis kept it professional.
“First round, both guys looked great. But in the second, The Chief landed a really clean shot,” he said. “It didn’t put Wes completely out, but it was the right call to stop it and avoid unnecessary damage.”
Davis also tipped his cap to Hunter Hasson’s entertaining performance against Angel Merrill.
“I don’t know him personally, but I liked the energy. He was doing that little dance after getting hit — it was fun to watch.”
On Power Slap’s Overall Health
With Wolverine retiring, the 205-pound belt up for grabs, and new contenders rising across every division, Davis sees momentum, but warns the promotion not to lose focus.
“Power Slap is healthy. But they need to keep building divisions with depth,” he said. “The women are tougher than hell and putting on great shows. Rob Trujillo finally got his shot and crushed it. That 155 division? I’m hoping they keep building that out too.”
“I’ve Got Till I’m 40”
At 32 years old, Davis isn’t planning on slowing down.
“I’ve got about eight years left in me for combat sports, power slap included,” he said. “And if I still feel good at 40, we’ll see. I’ve got some shit to do between now and then.”
Final Message: “You’ve All Forgotten Who Carried the Division”
As always, Davis signed off with a message to his peers:
“Fucking every single person in the middleweight division. Y’all apparently forgot that I carried this division for a very long time while you were all off doing a whole lot of fucking nothing. I’m still here and will gladly accept a fight against any one of you.”
🔥 Is John Davis still the most dangerous middleweight in Power Slap? Should he get the next title shot? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!
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