You Can’t Miss Makini Manu vs. Duane Crespo Jr. at Power Slap 14
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Power Slap 14 is set to deliver fireworks with a stacked card headlined by a heavyweight championship bout and featuring some of the promotion’s biggest hitters. Alongside a lightweight title match, the event includes several key fights that could shake up multiple divisions. But one matchup flying under the radar is Makini “Big Mak” Manu vs. Duane “The Iron Giant” Crespo Jr.
This classic prospect-versus-veteran showdown takes place at super heavyweight. Ranked number five, Manu enters undefeated at 4-0, bringing a six-foot, 390-pound frame that dominates the slap stage. He will face Crespo, a seasoned fighter who previously challenged current heavyweight champion Damien Dibbell and now competes in his second super heavyweight bout.
Duane Crespo Jr. – The Iron Giant
After moving up to super heavyweight and defeating the now-champion “Da Hawaiian Hitman,” Duane Crespo Jr. looks to earn his second straight win in the division. To do that, he’ll need to overcome a much larger opponent. While he’s faced similar size before, Crespo brings veteran experience with six Power Slap victories.
A pioneer in the sport, Crespo competed in the inaugural season of Power Slap: Road to the Title, winning two matches and earning a slot on Power Slap 1 against current Heavyweight Champion Damien Dibbell. Though he lost that bout, he bounced back with two dominant wins. A loss to future title challenger Nate Burnard followed, but Crespo again responded with a two-fight win streak.
After stepping away from the promotion, Crespo faced UFC legend Yoel Romero in the debut Dirty Boxing event. Following a loss there, he’s taken time to recover and now returns to Power Slap with title contention in sight. A third consecutive win could position him just one fight away from a super heavyweight title shot.
Crespo is known for his late-fight power and showmanship on stage, but his Achilles’ heel has been durability. He’s been knocked out in all of his losses across Power Slap, boxing, MMA, and Dirty Boxing. Now, with eight months of preparation, fans expect the best version of The Iron Giant yet.
At 6’2″ and just over the heavyweight limit, Crespo enters with a size disadvantage but brings speed, vocal presence, and stage experience to the table.
Makini Manu – The Prospect
Makini “Big Mak” Manu is one of the sport’s most intriguing prospects. Though short for a super heavyweight, his 390-pound frame and power make him a terrifying presence. He’s known for mind games and unorthodox techniques, like striking with both hands, which throw opponents off and force costly mistakes.
In his last outing, he delivered a third-round KO against former NFL player Steven Rowzee, with all three slaps doing visible damage. The first round of that bout was nearly scored 10-7.
Big Mak has made noise in the division with his undefeated record and evolving technique. Outside the stage, he coaches sports, contributing to his rapid development and improved slap mechanics. He’s shown he can generate more force by using his full body weight and has proven he can fight through adversity.
The only blemish on his record came at Power Slap 6, when an illegal club from Danie Van Heerden ended the fight early. Though Manu got the win, neither man left satisfied. Now, with Van Heerden sitting at No. 4, all eyes will be on this matchup.
Matchup Breakdown
With the coin toss decided, Manu will strike first, which is a major advantage in Power Slap. An early, clean shot can rattle a return striker and shift momentum.
For Manu, the goal will be to use his size and power to limit Crespo’s output. For Crespo, surviving that first slap and landing damage early is key. If he struggles to move Manu, similar to his last match against Da Hawaiian Hitman, it could be a long night.
The longer this goes, the more it favors Manu. He carries his power deep into matches and is hard to move. But if Crespo can land a clean shot before taking too much damage, he has the ability to turn things around.
Prediction
Crespo’s chin remains a concern. With Manu slapping first while both are fresh, that could spell trouble. Expect a strong opening from Big Mak. He’ll absorb Crespo’s return, then land the finishing blow in round two.
This one has show-stealer potential. But one way or another, a giant is going down.
Prediction: Makini Manu via 2nd-Round KO/TKO
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