Russell, a rising star in Power Slap, faces disappointment after his match against Austin Turpin at Power Slap XI was canceled. Despite the setback, Russell remains focused on the future and will still travel to Saudi Arabia as a backup for the highly anticipated title fight between Ron and Vern. We spoke with him about his reaction, training, and what lies ahead.
Disappointment, but Not Defeat
When asked about the cancellation of his match, Russell remained unfazed.
“It’s all right. I kind of knew the boy was scared,” he said. “I was going to knock him out anyway, so I never really thought much about it.”
While disappointed, Russell has taken the news in stride, shifting his focus to his backup role at Power Slap XI.
Training Through the Chaos
Despite juggling work, family, and training, Russell has stayed committed to preparing for competition.
“I’ve been lifting heavy and doing a lot more cardio,” he said. “Cutting weight has been tough with everything going on, but I’m staying ready.”
Even though he won’t compete in his originally scheduled match, Russell is staying sharp as a potential backup for the title fight.
Traveling to Saudi Arabia
Russell is looking forward to the opportunity to travel internationally for Power Slap XI.
“I’ve seen how much fun everyone had the first time they went to Saudi Arabia, so I was kind of disappointed I didn’t get to go then. But now I get to experience it, even if I’m just the backup,” he shared.
From exploring the culture to enjoying the local cuisine, Russell is eager to make the most of his trip.
Thoughts on Austin Turpin
This marks another disappointing turn for Austin Turpin, who has now faced three consecutive issues, including weight troubles and canceled matches. Russell didn’t hold back when asked about Turpin’s future in the sport.
“I don’t think they’re going to hold him,” he said. “He’s fought one guy and never really faced anyone who hits hard. Maybe he needs to get his life together first.”
The Title Fight: Ron vs. Vern
As Russell prepares to serve as a backup, he weighed in on the title fight between Ron and Vern.
“It all depends on the coin toss,” Russell explained. “We haven’t really seen Ron take a hit from someone who hits hard, but if Vern loses the toss and gets hit solid, he’s going to sleep. We’ve seen it happen before.”
Looking Ahead
Despite the setbacks, Russell is optimistic about the future.
“I’ll be there,” he said confidently. “They keep calling me to fight, so whether it’s Power Slap XII or XIII, I’ll be back.”
With his dedication and larger-than-life personality, Russell remains one of the standout figures in Power Slap. Fans will undoubtedly be eager to see him return to the stage and potentially claim a title in the near future.
Stay tuned for more updates and exclusive coverage as Power Slap XI approaches!