CLARKSBURG, W.Va (WDTV) – The Toughman Contest will return to Clarksburg this weekend for its 47th year, with the Nathan Goff Armory hosting the event for the 45th consecutive time.
The tournament was founded in 1979 in Bay City, Michigan by Art Dore, a former professional boxer. Dore later teamed up with Jerry Thomas to bring the event to West Virginia.
The contest is designed for amateur boxers, with no professionals allowed to compete. A new rule introduced this year prohibits former winners from competing in future Toughman contests.
“The event is three 1-minute rounds. Everyone wears 16 oz. gloves which is a training glove. There’s no headgear required for this now, hasn’t been for about 7 or 8 years and they get a one-minute rest between each round. We’ll have experienced trainers in each corner,” said Jerry Thomas, president of West Virginia Sports Promotions.
Two doctors will be ringside along with paramedics and EMTs from Harrison County Emergency Squad to tend to fighters after their bouts.
The tournament features five weight classes for both men and women. Fighters will weigh in Friday at 4 p.m., where matchmakers will determine opponents based on age, size and experience.
The single-elimination tournament begins Friday night, with all participants fighting once before returning Saturday to advance through the bracket until winners are crowned.
“The winners here in the men’s division will take home $1,000 for first place prize. The runner-up in each weight class will receive $500. The winner receives a nice Toughman jacket that you can only obtain by winning the tournament or working for the company,” Thomas said.
The weekend will also feature two professional fights. Friday’s bout will be a four-round super middleweight contest, and Saturday will feature an eight-round title fight for the vacant West Virginia cruiserweight championship.
Tickets and live streaming options can be purchased on their website. Remaining tickets will be sold at the door before the event begins at 7 p.m.
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