Darren “The Tarantula” Godfrey is finally back.
After spending more than a year away from the Power Slap stage, the experienced British middleweight will return at Power Slap 22 in Serbia against Danny R.
Godfrey has remained near the top of the middleweight division and believed he had done enough to earn a potential championship opportunity against Isaih Quinones.
Power Slap had other plans.
Now, Godfrey views his return as an opportunity to remind the division exactly why he belongs among its elite.
Quietly Waiting For His Return
Although Godfrey has been absent from Power Slap competition, he hasn’t been inactive.
He says he has been working quietly behind the scenes while waiting for another opportunity.
“I’ve just been quietly waiting for my return.”
The long layoff hasn’t diminished his confidence.
Instead, it has given him more time to develop, compete elsewhere, and prepare for the moment his phone finally rang.
“I’m ready.”
Was Godfrey Overlooked For A Title Shot?
Sitting near the top of the middleweight rankings, Godfrey expected to be considered for a championship opportunity.
He believed his performances and experience had positioned him as a logical challenger for Isaih Quinones.
“So did I.”
Instead, the title opportunity went elsewhere.
Godfrey even joked that being booked against Danny R could be viewed as a punishment or a “slap on the wrist.”
“I think it is a little bit of a slap on the wrist.”
However, he isn’t allowing that disappointment to distract him from the task in front of him.
Godfrey Refuses To Overlook Danny R
On paper, Godfrey enters the matchup with significantly more experience.
That doesn’t mean he considers it an easy fight.
“I’m not gonna look over anyone.”
After more than two decades in combat sports, Godfrey understands how quickly a fight can change.
“Anything can happen in any sort of fight.”
While he naturally favors himself, he believes Power Slap must have seen something in Danny R to place him against one of the division’s most established competitors.
That alone is enough for Godfrey to take the challenge seriously.
More Than 170 Career Fights
Danny R has experience in MMA and bare-knuckle competition.
Godfrey respects that background.
But when it comes to total combat sports experience, few athletes in Power Slap can match “The Tarantula.”
“I think I’m on fight number 173.”
Godfrey has spent approximately 23 years competing across multiple combat sports.
That includes boxing, bare-knuckle fighting, MMA, and slap fighting.
While Danny R may be active, Godfrey believes the enormous difference in experience could become a deciding factor when they step onto the Power Slap stage.
“There might be a bit of a difference.”
Staying Active During The Power Slap Layoff
Godfrey hasn’t spent his time away sitting on the sofa.
He has continued competing and recently added another major accomplishment to his résumé.
“I actually won a British title in boxing.”
It was the third British boxing title of his career.
That achievement proves Godfrey has remained sharp, active, and capable of performing under pressure despite his Power Slap absence.
“I’ve kept myself active.”
Between competing, coaching, and operating his gym, Godfrey says he has continued working relentlessly.
The Challenge Of Gaining Weight
Most Power Slap competitors spend fight camp attempting to lose weight.
Godfrey had the opposite problem.
After competing in boxing at a lighter weight and training intensely, he dropped to approximately 178 pounds.
That left him needing to gain weight to return to the middleweight limit.
“The last six weeks has been nothing but trying to bulk.”
Godfrey joked that the process has cost him the abs he worked hard to develop.
However, reaching the proper weight for Power Slap was the priority.
“I’ve hit that now, so I’m happy.”
Returning At A Stronger 185 Pounds
Godfrey believes competing closer to the top of the middleweight division will help him bring more strength and power to the table.
He had to gain approximately six pounds during camp, which wasn’t easy because of the intensity of his training.
“It’s always hard for me to put on weight.”
Now that he has reached his target, Godfrey feels physically prepared to return.
The goal isn’t simply to compete.
It’s to return stronger than the version fans previously saw.
The Ryan Phillips Influence
Godfrey’s striking style has an old-school feel, featuring a pronounced body turn and significant weight transfer.
That technique shares similarities with former Power Slap competitor Ryan Phillips.
Godfrey acknowledged the connection and revealed the two have known each other since the early trials.
“I love Ryan.”
Phillips even provided Godfrey with a few pointers during the early stages of his slap-fighting journey.
“He did give me a few pointers in the beginning.”
However, Godfrey has since adapted the style to fit his own body mechanics and strengths.
It’s now a mixture of Phillips’ influence and Godfrey’s personal technique.
Why He Won’t Change His Technique
Godfrey has experimented with multiple techniques throughout his Power Slap career.
Although he earned victories early on, he wasn’t completely satisfied with how difficult those performances became.
That sent him back to the drawing board.
“I wanted to make sure I had the power there to put him out in one.”
After testing different approaches, Godfrey believes he has found the technique that works best for him.
Because of that, fans shouldn’t expect a dramatic change in Serbia.
“I won’t be changing it.”
Instead, Godfrey plans to execute the same refined strike that he believes gives him the best chance of producing a first-round knockout.
A Message For Danny R
Godfrey’s final message to his opponent was direct.
“Prepare yourself, my boy.”
After a long layoff and months of additional training, Godfrey believes he has far more to offer than he did during his earlier Power Slap appearances.
“I’ve got a lot more in the tank than I did back then.”
He even admitted that he already feels sympathy for what Danny R may experience when they meet.
“I’m already feeling sorry for you.”
Darren Godfrey Wants To Reclaim His Place In The Division
Darren Godfrey may have been away from Power Slap, but he hasn’t stopped fighting.
With approximately 173 career fights, three British boxing titles, and more than two decades of combat sports experience, “The Tarantula” remains one of the most seasoned athletes on the roster.
Power Slap 22 gives him an opportunity to reintroduce himself to the middleweight division.
A dominant victory over Danny R could put him directly back into the championship conversation.
And if Godfrey delivers the one-shot finish he’s preparing for, the division may no longer be able to overlook him.