The long-awaited bodyguard vs. bodyguard clash is finally happening.
At Power Slap 14 on July 18 in New Orleans, Aaron Turner steps up to face Nate Bernard—a matchup he’s quietly been manifesting for nearly half a year.
“When Erica called and said Nate Bernard is the opponent, I was hyped,” said Turner. “This is a fight I’ve wanted for a long time. It’s redemption for both of us.”
Two Big Men, One Huge Opportunity
Both Turner and Bernard have had parallel paths in Power Slap—football backgrounds, bodyguard day jobs, and early flashes of dominance. But while Bernard once contended for the title, both men now find themselves at a crossroads.
“A lot of people say Nate doesn’t deserve the #2 rank,” Turner said. “But Power Slap sees the potential. This is the get-right fight for both of us.”
Turner on the Loss to West Mena: “I Wasn’t Myself”
Aaron’s last match, a majority decision loss to West Mena, was a humbling experience.
“I didn’t mentally prepare the way I should have. My flinching, my strike—it wasn’t on point. I took the loss, owned it, and went straight back to work.”
Since then, Turner’s been training relentlessly—dialing in his mechanics, strengthening his neck and jaw, and sharpening the mental side of the game.
“There’s no excuse. It’s on me. But now I’m ready. I’ve got the butterflies out. I’ve gone the distance. I’m back.”
Respect for Nate—But No Fear
Despite the matchup, Turner gives Nate full respect for paving the way.
“He set the standard. Big guy, former football player, not from a combat background—and made it to the title. He showed guys like me what’s possible.”
But Turner makes one thing clear: that respect goes out the window on fight night.
“We’re both here for redemption. We’re both dangerous. And I plan to finish this in Round 1.”
Why He Thinks He Wins
“I just have to train harder, be more mentally prepared, and strike first. Nate’s not an easy fight—he’s got a good chin and dangerous hands—but I believe I’m stronger, and I can take him out.”
Turner is focused on delivering a first-round knockout and moving up the rankings fast.
“I don’t want to win by decision. I want the KO. I want the bonus. And I want that title shot.”
Eyes on the Bigger Picture
While Turner is fully focused on Bernard, he acknowledges the division is heating up. With West Mena now fighting Damien DeBell for the light heavyweight title, the path to the belt could go through either familiar or brand-new opponents.
“Wes is 4-0 and deserves his shot. I’m not worried about him right now—but it’d be great to see a new champ. For me, it’s all about staying ready.”
Message to Nate Bernard
“It’s all love, Nate. But on July 18, I’m not just here to eat off your plate. I want your seat at the table. And I’m taking it.”
Power Slap 14 goes down July 18 in New Orleans, live on Rumble. Don’t miss this heavyweight collision between two of the league’s most physically imposing competitors—and a redemption story waiting to explode.