The welterweight title is on the line as Anthony “Babyface” Blackburn prepares to defend his crown against Azael Rodriguez at Power Slap 13 on June 27, live from the Fontainebleau during International Fight Week.
Blackburn, now deep into his title reign, is unfazed by Rodriguez making the cut down from middleweight.
“This is a huge opportunity for me,” Blackburn said in an exclusive Slap News interview. “There were people saying Azael didn’t deserve the shot, but to be honest, I don’t see anyone else stepping up like he is. This is the best fight to make right now.”
Rodriguez brings deep Power Slap experience, including wins over top names like Eddie and a memorable appearance in Abu Dhabi. Still, Blackburn isn’t buying into the hype.
“I’ve faced the best already,” he explained. “Chris Thomas hit me with the hardest strike in the division, and I ate it, then put him down. I beat Manny twice. Rodriguez might be bigger, might be stronger—but he doesn’t have the technique. And technique is what wins titles.”
The Evolution of a Champion
Blackburn attributes much of his dominance to the decision he made after Power Slap 1—hiring a coach and building a real fight camp outside of the organization.
“When I first started, I told myself I was giving this sport 100%. After Power Slap 1, I called my coach and said, ‘Let’s take this seriously.’ Since then, we’ve been grinding. I’m training functional strength, not just pushing weights. I’m training to slap.”
That same coach now works with other champions like Brandon Bordeaux, and the results speak for themselves.
“The work we’ve done over the last two years is going to show in this fight,” Blackburn said. “You’re going to see the best version of me ever.”
Going the Distance—and Entertaining While Doing It
This bout has all the ingredients to be an instant classic. Fans online have speculated it could become a “Mount Rushmore” matchup in Power Slap history, and Blackburn embraces the possibility of a five-round war.
“It’s always that first round that’s the toughest,” he said. “Once I get past that first shot, I’m locked in. Azael’s been in deep waters before, but I’ve been through the fire too. I’m bringing the best version of Babyface out there.”
With a nod to the future of the sport, Blackburn says he’s ready to go beyond just slapping hard—he wants to entertain.
“I trained with pro wrestlers last week. It got me thinking more about performance. I built my name as a striker, but now I want to bring showmanship to the table. I want to be a people’s champion.”
But don’t expect a full heel turn just yet.
“I’m still the nice guy. But hey, if I take an L, I might need to kick it up a notch,” he joked.
Message to Rodriguez
Looking directly into the camera, Blackburn delivered a simple and chilling message to his challenger:
“Azael Rodriguez—June 27th at the Fontainebleau—I’m gonna slap you silly, dawg. You better bring it.”
Stay locked into Slap News for more exclusive interviews and coverage as we head into Power Slap 13. Tickets are on sale now, and if you’ve never been to a live event, you’re missing one of the most electric atmospheres in combat sports.