The 26th annual Mid-Ohio Valley Toughman Contest will be conducted Saturday, Feb. 4 and Sunday, Feb. 5 at Parkersburg High School's Memorial Fieldhouse with the weight classes being the same for both men and women.
Fighter entries are being accepted for this very-popular, single-elimination boxing tournament that packs the Fieldhouse for two nights every February.
The event is open to all area men and women, age 18 to 39, with no pro fights, limited amateur experience, and in good physical condition.
All bouts are scheduled for three one-minute rounds, with all fighters wearing padded 16-ounce training gloves, protective headgear and a mouthpiece. The new weight class divisions are: lightweight (up to 139 pounds), middleweight (140 to 159 pounds), light-heavyweight (160 to 184 pounds) and heavyweight (185 to 400 pounds). A feature this year will be a pair of pro bouts with local fighters Joe Paintiff and Keith Barr against as-of-yet unnamed opponents.
Up to $12,000 in Toughman prize money will be awarded Saturday night. Each of the men's division champions will receive up to $1,000 with each of the runners-up receiving up to $300.
Prize money for the women's divisions may vary depending on the number of contestants and bouts. Each champion will also receive an "Original Toughman Contest'' jacket, and each weight class runner-up a trophy.
The Miss Ring Girl contest winner will receive $1,000 plus a jacket, with second, third and fourth place each receiving $200.
Fighters and ring girls may enter online now at wvtoughman.com or by calling 1-800-296-3897.
This West Virginia Sports Promotions, Inc. event is sanctioned and will be supervised by the West Virginia State Athletic Commission.
Tickets will go on sale Saturday, Jan. 8 at Memorial Fieldhouse and select Speedway stores in Parkersburg (Pike Street, Emerson Avenue and Murdoch Avenue) and Marietta (7th Street),
For additional information, call 1-800-296-3897 or on-line at wvtoughman.com
