Emanuel Muniz is back.
The former welterweight champion returns to the Power Slap stage on June 27 at the Fontainebleau in Las Vegas, facing off against none other than KO Chris Thomas—the same man he beat in their first encounter.
“This wasn’t really on my bingo card,” Muniz tells Slap News, “but I’m excited to get back out there and compete.”
A Road Back to the Title?
After a tough year that saw him drop back-to-back fights to current champ Anthony Blackburn, Muniz sees this as a crucial turning point.
“I feel like I’m in a weird spot. If Chris beats me, he probably gets a title shot right away. But if I win—and Blackburn wins that night too—I don’t know if they’d do the trilogy again so soon,” Muniz says. “I think I’d need another win after this.”
Still, there’s no denying the stakes. With Muniz ranked No. 1 and KO Chris at No. 5, the winner of this matchup could be on a fast track to a shot at the welterweight crown.
“I Want to Get It Done in One”
Muniz’s game plan? Make it quick.
“I want to get it done in the first slap,” he says. “Last time, I dominated Chris in the first three rounds. I don’t see how going from five rounds to three helps him.”
Despite KO Chris showing flashes of danger against both Muniz and Chris Debow, Muniz isn’t concerned.
“His slap hasn’t changed. It’s the same as always. It’s just that now his chin’s more cracked than it was,” he adds.
Is KO Chris Still a Threat?
“I mean, yeah, his first few slaps are always good. He bobbled Blackburn. But he ran into someone who could take it. That’s his issue,” Muniz says confidently.
And while Muniz respects the energy KO Chris brings to the table, he doesn’t seem too phased.
“I know he’s going to bring the antics and the energy. I enjoy that. I expect that. But I’m focused on doing my job and getting the win.”
No Chip, Just Clarity
Even though Muniz remains at the top of the welterweight rankings, he says he was open to taking on a lower-ranked opponent.
“I’ve fought a lot of guys once or twice already. At this point, it’s not about rankings. It’s about cementing myself again,” he says.
Hardest Slap He’s Ever Taken?
Without hesitation, Muniz names Cole Young.
“That one hurt the most. I remember thinking, ‘Damn, I really don’t want to take another one,’” Muniz laughs. “I wasn’t afraid of getting knocked out—it just hurt.”
He also credits KO Chris for his power—but says it’s different.
“Chris is the only one who’s moved me, but it doesn’t hurt. It just does damage.”
Prediction for Blackburn vs. Aziel?
Having faced both Anthony ‘Babyface’ Blackburn and Aziel Rodriguez, Muniz isn’t ready to pick a side—but he does offer insight.
“If Aziel wins, it’ll be by finish. I don’t see him winning on points. But Blackburn is hard to move, and if it goes to decision, I’d lean toward him.”
A Personal Victory
Despite past title success, Muniz says his biggest accomplishment is personal.
“It’s been about growth. The person I’ve become over the last three years—I’m proud of that more than anything.”
Power Slap 13 goes down June 27 at Fontainebleau Las Vegas, with KO Chris Thomas and Emanuel Muniz throwing down in a high-stakes welterweight rematch. Follow @Slap_News for more pre-fight coverage and exclusive interviews.