After dominating in the middleweight division, Azael “El Perro” Rodriguez is making the drop to 170 lbs to challenge Anthony “Babyface” Blackburn for the Power Slap welterweight championship on June 27 at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas during International Fight Week.
Rodriguez believes it’s his time—and he’s planning to make a brutal statement in his tenth career Power Slap match.
“I’m excited, bro,” Rodriguez told Slap News. “After beating Eddie the way I did, I should’ve already been in line for a title. Now I’ve got the opportunity to drop down and take on Blackburn. It’s going to be explosive.”
Rodriguez vs. Blackburn: A Matchup Years in the Making
Blackburn has wanted this fight since Power Slap 1, and Rodriguez knows it. But now that both men have earned their stripes, the stakes are higher than ever.
“We both want it. We both have the chin. We both have power. I think I bring more power than anyone he’s ever faced,” Rodriguez said. “Hopefully, I’ll be the first to test that chin and put him down.”
Adapting to Welterweight—The Right Way
Rodriguez has had months to adjust to the welterweight division after being sidelined since October. He insists he’s stronger than ever.
“I was given time to drop weight right,” he said. “I’ve played around with the 170s, tested my cardio, my lifting—now I feel just like I did before fighting John and Eddie. My power’s still here. My chin’s still here.”
And this time, he says, he’s not just physically ready—he’s mentally grounded.
“I made lifestyle changes before the AJ fight,” Rodriguez shared. “Living in the Caribbean was great, but I didn’t have the right training or nutrition. Everything was expensive. Now I’m back in San Diego with proper roots. It’s made a huge difference.”
Message to Babyface: Prepare to Quit
Rodriguez had a message for Blackburn, and he didn’t mince words.
“Come June 27, you’re either getting knocked out or looking at the refs saying, ‘I quit,’” he said. “I’m bringing a powerful Perro slap from the very first round. You better bring everything you’ve got.”
And while Blackburn is known for surviving deep into fights—weathering shots from strikers like Emmanuel Muniz—Rodriguez doesn’t expect this one to go the distance.
“I’ve never prepared harder for a match than this,” he said. “My goal is to make him quit or put him out early. But even if he takes the first shot, I get stronger every round. I don’t think he’ll make it to round five.”
On Accuracy, Evolution, and Momentum
Rodriguez’s evolution as a striker has been evident in recent performances—especially in his war with Eddie in Abu Dhabi.
“Every strike I landed got more accurate and more powerful,” he said. “That’s the goal every match. You compound the damage.”
He also reflected on the elite opponents he’s faced—John Davis, Eddie, and Muniz—and gave credit where it’s due.
“Eddie and John are probably the two who’ve hit me the hardest,” Rodriguez admitted. “That first hit from Eddie shocked me. Dude hits like a truck. But I kept getting back up and breaking him down.”
He believes Eddie deserves another shot in the top rankings.
“He took my first and third slap. He got knocked down on the second but got back up. He’s earned respect in that division.”
Ten Fights Deep—and Still Getting Better
Rodriguez’s bout with Blackburn will mark his 10th career Power Slap match—one of the most active careers in the promotion’s short but explosive history.
“It’s wild to think how far I’ve come since Power Slap 1,” he said. “I was one of the most controversial names back then. Now, I’m here, a true contender, ready to represent my family, my culture, and the sport.”
Don’t miss Azael Rodriguez vs. Anthony Blackburn at Power Slap 13, live from the Fontainebleau Las Vegas. The welterweight title is on the line—and the slap heard around the world might just come from El Perro.
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