Jerry Thomas’ West Virginia Sports Promotions, Inc. and the Elkins High School Athletic Department will present the 15th Annual Original Toughman Contest, March 10th & 11th at the Elkins High School Gymnasium.
This year’s event is being sponsored by Performance Chevy, the North Central WV Airport, The Marines, 5 News WDTV, 98.9 WDNE, and Network West Virginia.
Fighter and ring girl entries are now being accepted for the very popular annual event that is a single elimination boxing tournament, open to area men and women, age 18 to 39, with no pro fights and limited amateur experience. All bouts are scheduled for three one minute rounds, with all fighters wearing 16-ounce boxing gloves, protective headgear and a mouth piece. All applicants must be in good physical condition. The weight divisions for both men and women are; lightweight (139lbs and under), middleweight (140-159), light heavyweight (160-184 lbs.) and heavyweight (185- 400 lbs.). There is no entry fee!
Up to $12,000.00 in cash prize monies will be awarded. Each man’s weight class champion will receive up to $1,000, and each runner up will receive up to $300. Prize money for the women’s may be different depending on the number of fighters. Each champion will receive a Toughman Jacket. Each weight class runner up will receive a trophy or plaque. “Miss Ring Girl” will receive $1,000 and a jacket. Second, third and fourth place ring girls will each receive $200. To enter visit wvtoughman.com or call 1-800-296-3897.
The featured pro fight Saturday night March 11th, will feature former “Two Time” Elkins Toughman champion and WV Super Lightweight pro champion Dakota “The Lone Wolf” Linger, of Buckhannon, (record 7-0-1). Linger will face an opponent yet to be named….also, featured on the second night will be a special “Battle of the Champions” Women’s bout featuring Samantha Pill, of Shinnston, WV. Pill is undefeated in eight bouts and is a two-time champion.
The event has been sanctioned and will be supervised by the West Virginia State Athletic Commission. Tickets go on sale Saturday February 25th at area Speedway and Rich Oil Stores.