At Power Slap 19, one of the division’s original forces is stepping back into the spotlight—and he’s not coming quietly.
John “The Machine” Davis is back.
And if you ask him, this isn’t just another fight—it’s a rebirth.
The Phoenix Moment
Davis described his return in one word: transformation.
“I’ve risen to the top, burnt down to the ashes, and now it’s time to rise back up.”
It’s a powerful statement from a former champion who has experienced both sides of the sport—the highs of holding gold and the frustration of long periods on the sidelines.
Now, after time away, reflection has reshaped his mindset.
Time Away, Lessons Learned
Davis didn’t disappear—he evolved.
While he always trusted his work ethic inside the gym, he admits the bigger lesson came outside of it.
“When it came to being authentically myself… it didn’t quite pay off like I thought it would.”
That self-awareness is what makes this version of Davis different. He’s not just training harder—he’s thinking smarter about how to rebuild his career and reinsert himself into the spotlight.
A Frustrating Layoff
One of the biggest talking points? His inactivity.
Despite being champion, Davis spent over a year waiting.
“I spent over a year as champion sitting on the sidelines… no one wants that.”
Multiple attempts to secure fights fell through, leaving him in limbo. But now, he’s done looking back.
“It is what it is… everything now is moving forward.”
No Hype for Stunt Marshall
Standing across from him at Power Slap 19 is Stunt Marshall, an undefeated but still largely untested name.
And Davis isn’t buying into the hype.
“What hype? You’re 2-0… what does that honestly mean? You won the coin toss twice—good job.”
While he gives some credit, Davis makes it clear—this is a different level.
“I’ve answered pretty much all the questions in my career… now it’s his turn.”
The Underdog Chip
Despite his résumé, Davis expects to be overlooked.
“It wouldn’t be the first time I’m the underdog… or that there’s disrespect.”
But that’s exactly how he likes it.
“I’m still the greatest middleweight champion there’s ever been.”
That confidence isn’t arrogance—it’s a reminder of what he’s already done.
Perspective from the Journey
From Ohio to global stages like Las Vegas and Abu Dhabi, Davis has had time to reflect on just how far he’s come.
“I still can’t believe any of it even happened.”
That gratitude fuels him—but it doesn’t satisfy him.
This next chapter? It’s about adding more to the legacy.
A Division in Chaos
Davis didn’t shy away from addressing the state of the middleweight division either.
Between suspensions, inactivity, and injuries, he believes the division has been stalled.
“There’s been a lot of issues… and a lot of it is people’s own doing.”
Now, he sees himself as the one to shake things up.
“I can absolutely come in here and throw a monkey wrench into all of their plans.”
One Win Away
For Davis, the path is simple.
Win—and he’s right back in the title picture.
“I’m one good win away from being right back into a title shot.”
And he hasn’t forgotten who’s holding the belt.
“We’ll find out when me and him are back up there together.”
Final Message
His message to Stunt Marshall is straightforward:
“I’m either a stepping stone for you… or you’re another win for me on my way back to the title.”
No theatrics. No overcomplication.
Just reality.
Power Slap 19
This isn’t just a comeback fight.
It’s a test:
- Can the veteran reassert dominance?
- Or will the new generation take over?
Either way, one thing is certain—
John “The Machine” Davis is done waiting.