Pride through pugilation: The Original Toughman Contest

Posted on by Steve Shanafelt

Living in a place like downtown Asheville, it can be kind if easy to lose perspective on what the rest of the country finds entertaining. Sure, there are those of us who like to dissect the latest arthouse flick, debade hidden bias in Chomsky’s latest tome, and spend the odd somber evening taking in a butoh performance. And yet, there are those who prefer their distractions to be less erudite, and more … well … concussed.

Hence, the Original Toughman Contest.

For those of you who aren’t familiar with it, the Toughman Contest is a kind of amateur boxing event. The event tours across the country, offering cash prizes to violence-inclined locals who are willing to duke it out in three, one-minute rounds. The fighting is fast, furious and brutal. As unforgiving as the matches can be, there seems to be no shortage of would-be Toughmen (and Toughwomen) willing to take on the challenge.

There’s something almost charming about the Toughman Contest. Forget the claim that it’s a street-level sport; the heavy-handed brawling of a Toughman bout is usually a far cry from the “sweet science” of professional boxing. Yet, for good or ill, it appeals to that most basic human urge: to watch other people getting hurt. From gawking kids at a school yard scrap to rubbernecking drivers rolling past the scene of a traffic accident, if blood is being spilled, people will swarm to see it.

On Friday and Saturday, Feb. 2 and 3, the Asheville Civic Center will host the Original Toughman Contest. Tickets range from $15 to $40, and are available through Ticketmaster.

For those interested in throwing down, the official home page of the Toughman Contest has an online application, and here’s a quick rundown of what you need to know:

• Fighters are broken down into several weight classes. Fighters are also broken down into the following divisions: Sub-novice (no previous experience), Novice (1-10 previous bouts), Open (more than 10 previous bouts).
• Each bout consists of 3-one minute rounds with a 1 minute rest period. 3-knockdown rule and standing 8 counts are in effect.
• Bouts are strictly boxing. No biting, no wrestling, no head butting, no kicking.
• Fighters must be at least 18 years old, and must undergo a pre-fight physical. A doctor and EMT’s are present ringside during the event.
• No professional fighters or amateurs with more than 5 wins in the last 5 years.
• Judges use the 10 point must system with points awarded for aggression, power, number of hits, defense, etc.
• Fighters must wear 16 oz. gloves, head gear, groin protection and mouthpieces.

– Steve Shanafelt, A&E reporter

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17 thoughts on “Pride through pugilation: The Original Toughman Contest”

  1. nick walker

    I was needing information on how to sign up for the toughman contest that is coming up in Morganton, NC. If you would, please email me with that info. Thank you.

  2. Marvin Hensley

    When is the toughman competition in morganton,nc? If possible e-mail me and let me know.

  3. Kay

    When is the date and time for the contest in Morganton? I believe it is this coming weekend. Anyone know when and where?
    If possible, please email me and let me know. Lots of sexy woman are interested in a trip that way to check our the fighting men

    Thanks

  5. Jimmy Skipper

    I live in Chipley Fl. around 500 miles or so. May I still enter in the toughman contest. in Ashville N.C.

  6. Carla

    Can you please send me info on how to sign up. And the deadlines and entry fee info. for Asheville NC

  8. Bobby

    Can you please send me info on how to sign up. And the deadlines and entry fee info. for Asheville NC

  9. Shane

    I’m interested in fighting in the Ashville, NC Toughman contest but, I need to know when the dead line for the entry fee is. Please E-Mail me back with the info.
    Thanks.

  10. Chris

    Im interested but i was wandering if there are weight classes.Please email me let me know.

  11. Peter

    When is the next up coming Toughman competition for boxing coming up IN NOrth Carolina?? really need to know

  12. carlos mckeithan

    I need to know when the next tough man contest is in N.C. And what does it take to get in. Please e-mail me as soon as possible.

  13. Gregory

    I would like to know when is the next toughman in Asheville Nc. How would be the bets way to sign up?

  14. Troy James

    Hi, Can you send me a e-mail of all the contest dates. And when is the one in Asheville, I will like to come.

  15. michael wright

    when is the fight in morganton and were do i sign up if u could email me the info i would be greatly thankful.

  16. richard marsh

    can you please send me some info on signing up for and when the deadline is for signing up for it?
    thank you
    richard marsh

  17. pedro sepulveda

    im to fight again, is there any toughman contest around the jacksonville area? hook me up~

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