By Slap News | April 2025
After a controversial loss to Brandon Moreno at Power Slap 12, former middleweight champion Isaiah Quinones isn’t sulking — he’s sharpening. With a record-setting year under his belt, a fire in his heart, and Mexico behind him, Doughboy is ready for redemption.
“I’m Still a Beast — With or Without the Belt”
Just weeks removed from losing his middleweight title, Isaiah Quinones isn’t hanging his head.
“I’m still the first guy to defend a belt three weeks after getting it,” Quinones said. “Still the only one in the middleweight division to go 4 for 4 in a single year. Belt or no belt — I’m still one of the top guys.”
He admits the result stung but won’t let the loss define him.
“I went in there to fight. I lost the belt. That’s on me,” he added. “But don’t get it twisted — nobody’s knocking me out. Brandon knocked me down, sure, but I got back up. And I’ll be back stronger.”
Was Brandon’s Strike Legal?
Fans and analysts alike have debated the legality of Brandon Moreno’s KO strike — and Isaiah isn’t shy about how he sees it.
“No, I don’t think it was clean,” Quinones said. “I’ve been in the game a long time. I know what a legal strike feels like. That one wasn’t it.”
He also revealed that even referee Mark Smith had doubts — referencing a conversation they had prior to the fight.
“Mark was the one who brought up clubbing in the last match. He told me flat out Brandon should’ve been called. That says something.”
“I’m the Gatekeeper — Anyone Who Wants the Belt Has to Go Through Me”
As the rankings reset and contenders shuffle, Quinones made his stance clear:
“I deserve the immediate rematch. Not just because I lost the belt — but because of what I did for Power Slap. I defended my title on three weeks’ notice. Nobody else is doing that.”
And if the matchmakers go another route?
“I’m still the gatekeeper. Anyone who wants a shot at that belt has to go through me.”
Matchmaker Mode: Darren, Chief… Then Me and Brandon
Isaiah’s got his eyes on the rest of the division too, offering up a full matchmaking scenario:
“Darren vs. Chief — that’s a great rematch, especially with the way their Abu Dhabi match ended. Let those two run it back. Me and Brandon do the trilogy. And the winner of Darren vs. Chief gets the winner of me and Brandon.”
As for other middleweights climbing the ranks?
“They’re doing their thing, but they haven’t faced top-level talent yet. Chief’s the only one who has. We’ll see what happens.”
Life Outside the Cage: Mexico, Nitro Circus, and Chest Slaps with Travis Pastrana
When he’s not training, Quinones is still living like a champ. His recent trip to Guadalajara, Mexico with sponsor Dios Azul Tequila turned into an unexpected collaboration with Nitro Circus legend Travis Pastrana.
“I grew up watching that guy on MTV,” Isaiah said. “Next thing I know, we’re hanging out, doing interviews, slapping each other in the chest.”
Yes, that viral chest slap you saw online? Totally mutual.
“People were talking crap, but if you know Travis, he’s been doing that since forever. We were just messing around. He told me, ‘Hit me.’ I did. Then he hit me. Then I hit him again. That was it.”
Power Slap in Mexico? “They’d Go Crazy for That”
Quinones believes Power Slap is ready to blow up internationally — and Mexico is the obvious next stop.
“They love combat sports. The crowds down there are electric. I’ve been there twice now, and I got more recognized there than I do in America. I think Independence Day this year would be the perfect time to do it.”
Redemption Season: “No More Crash Cuts. I’m Coming in Ready.”
Isaiah admits he may have cut too fast for his last fight — shedding 21 pounds in five weeks.
“I felt good, but my body might’ve disagreed,” he said. “I dropped from 206 to 185 way too fast.”
This time? He’s not making that mistake again.
“I’m already starting my cut. I’m gonna walk around at 190. So whenever the call comes — May, June, July — I’m ready.”
One Last Message for Brandon Moreno
Before signing off, Quinones had a few final words for the current champ:
“Brandon keeps saying he beat my ass. Let’s not forget — I gave him his first loss. I already showed the world I can beat him. He got me this time, sure. But it’s not happening again.”
🔥 Who do you want to see Isaiah Quinones face next? Should he get the trilogy fight with Brandon Moreno? Drop your thoughts below!
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