ABU DHABI: Alan “The Kryptonian” Klingbeil uses the word “destiny” to describe his upcoming title shot at “$VET Power Slap 16: Wolverine vs. Klingbeil,” taking place at Space42 Arena in Abu Dhabi on Friday night.
Headlining Power Slap 16 — presented by Monster Energy — will be fan favorite and slap-fighting legend Ron “Wolverine” Bata (5-2, 2 KOs), who will defend his light-heavyweight title for a second time.
Surging contender Klingbeil (3-2, 2 KOs) said: “When I received the call, I felt destiny. This is the moment I’ve worked for my entire life.
“To have my first title shot on the world stage in Abu Dhabi makes it even more powerful. History is forged in moments like these, and I am ready to step into it and show the world why they call me ‘The Kryptonian.’”
The light-heavyweight contender steps into his first championship bout against a dominant and undefeated titleholder in Wolverine, but Klingbeil’s belief in his mission remains unshakable.
“To the fans in Abu Dhabi — thank you for embracing this sport with such passion,” he added. “Your energy is unmatched. On fight night, I will give you a show that you’ll remember long after the belt is wrapped around my waist.”
Fighting out of San Antonio, Texas, Klingbeil’s confidence is rooted in faith and preparation: “Power Slap 16 in Abu Dhabi is the beginning of my title reign. My confidence is the foresight of my victory. Wolverine has never lost a title fight, and I respect that. But every reign meets its end.
“I know the power and the will that I carry in my heart: If the Lord so wills, I will knock out Wolverine and step off the stage as the light heavyweight champion of the world in Power Slap.
“They may call me the underdog, but history remembers those who rose to the occasion when counted out. With faith and relentless resolve, I will seize this moment and etch my name into history.”
Klingbeil’s connection to Abu Dhabi runs deeper than most. Twelve months ago, he stood on the same stage, not as a competitor, but as a coach, helping his team of underdogs to success.
“That wasn’t a coincidence; it was a sign of my future victory,” he added. “Abu Dhabi has become a pillar of combat sports and to win gold here against a champion who has never been beaten in a title fight, would be monumental.”
In the co-main event, No. 1–ranked super-heavyweight Vasily “Dumpling” Kamotskii (2-1-1, 1 KO) returns to action for the first time since losing his championship belt.
Standing in his way is undefeated rising star Makini “Big Mak” Manu (4-0, 3 KOs), the No. 5–ranked contender who wants to become the first man to knock out Dumpling.
