Jerry Thomas’ West Virginia Sports Promotions, Inc. and MY 105.9 WTNJ are making final preparations for the 35th Annual Southern West Virginia Budweiser Original Toughman Contest.
This year’s event is sponsored by Budweiser, Advance Auto Parts, Whitesville State Bank, A-Bail Bonds, Suddenlink Media and Network WV. The host hotel is the Econo Lodge. The very popular annual event will be held this Friday and Saturday nights, Mar. 28 and 29 at the Beckley Convention Center.
Locally, fighters entered include: Brandon Durrett, Alderson; Andrew Fraley, Union; Joseph Henson, White Sulphur Springs; Ryan Moretz, Gap Mills; Darryl Kelkites, Jr., Rainelle; Jonathan Shearer, Marlinton; Billy Flora, Alderson.
Advance ticket sales have been very strong, however good seats are still available and are on sale at the Beckley Convention Center, online at wvtoughman.com or charge tickets by phone by calling 1-304-252-7361. Ticket prices are $15 general admission, $20 reserved and $30 for VIP Ringside (first four rows). Additional fees may apply. Group ticket packages, for groups of 10 or more are also available at the Convention Center only.
In addition to all the action and excitement that Toughman always delivers, this year two pro-bouts are planned; Friday night, heavyweight Mike Harless, of Cyclone, will make his pro debut versus George Oller, of Ghent. Then on Saturday night cruiserweight Bobby Thomas, Jr., of Oak Hill will face Eric Watkins of Morgantown in a 10 round WBF and WV title fight.
Doors will open at 6 p.m. and the event is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. both nights, with the presentation of the colors by the U.S. Marines and the singing of the national anthem. The event has been sanctioned and will be supervised by the West Virginia State Athletic Commission.
To sign up to fight, please call 1- 800-296-3897 or online at wvtoughman.com.