Turning the Other Cheek? Look at Professional Slapping

Are there some days you would like to slap someone?

I have good news for you.  There is actually a sport where you can win money for slapping people.

Power Slap is a popular sport in "slap fighting" competition.  Here's how slapping works:

After a coin toss to decide who goes first, the first striker has a time limit of 60 seconds to deliver an open-handed slap to the opponent. Slaps must be below the eye but above the chin, without leading with the palm such that all hand to face contact takes place at the same time. Those being slapped may not flinch, raise their shoulder or tuck in their chins. After being slapped, the slapped competitor then has 60 seconds to recover and get back into position before it's their turn to slap. Fights which don't end in a knock out and go three rounds go to the judges' decision, using a 10-point system with judging based on slap strikers' effectiveness as well as the slap receivers' reaction and recovery time.

Participants are separated by gender and weight.

There have been four power slap events in 2024 with the next event taking place on October 24th in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.  

The current Super Heavyweight Champion is Koa Viernes a.k.a. "Da Crazy Hawaiian".  He has held the title since last October with one title defense.  Other classifications include:  Heavyweight, Light Heavyweight, Middleweight and Welterweight.  Winners can make anywhere between $2,000 to $10,000 per match.

For more information on Power Slap:  https://www.powerslap.com

As you can imagine, there has been some controversy over this sport.  In February 2023, New Jersey Congressmen Bill Pascrell (NJ) and Don Bacon (NE) launched a Congressional inquiry into the sport.  There is also some concern with showing the competitions on television as there are concerns that a participant could suffer brain damage or other severe injuries from participating.

Power Slap events can be viewed on TBS and Rumble networks.

Check out this video of a power slap event:  https://youtu.be/LkclyFHLdA4?si=0zC8hL9c6Fx6KRZq