Downtown fight nights

Here's a closer look at the 21st annual Tri-State Original Toughman Contest.

WHERE: Huntington's Big Sandy Superstore Arena.

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Jan. 16-17.

WHAT IS TOUGHMAN? Men and women ages 18 to 39 with no pro fights and limited amateur experience, battle for three, one-minute rounds wearing 16-ounce gloves, protective headgear and a mouth piece.

WEIGHT DIVISIONS: The men's weight divisions are: Middleweight (140-159), light heavyweight (160-184) and heavyweight (185-400). The women's weight divisions are lightweight (155 and under) and heavyweight (156 and up).

HOW MUCH: Tickets to watch are $15, $20 and $30 VIP

GET TIX: On sale at Ticketmaster outlets, at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena box office, and by phone 304-523-5757.

SPONSOR: Jerry Thomas's West Virginia Sports Promotions, Keystone Lights and 84 Lumber will present the Toughman Contest.

THE PAY-OUT: Up to $8,000 in cash prize money will be awarded. The champion in the men's light heavyweight, heavyweight and middleweight divisions will each receive $1,000, and the runners-up will each receive $300. Prize money for the women's divisions will be based on the average number of bouts and paid in proportion to the men's divisions. In addition to the cash prize money, each weight class champion will receive a Toughman jacket. Each weight class runner-up will receive a trophy. Champions also qualify to advance to the World Championships. This event is sanctioned and will be supervised by the West Virginia State Athletic Commission. It is also sanctioned by API, the originators and international promoters of Toughman.

MISS RING GIRL: "Miss Ring Girl" will receive $1,000 cash, Toughman jacket and various other prizes. First, second and third runners-up Miss Ring Girl will each receive $200 plus additional prizes.

FOR MORE INFO: Call Toughman at 800-296-3897 or go online at www.wvtoughman.com.

ON THE WEB: Go online at www.bigsandyarena.com for a look at other upcoming events.

LAST YEAR'S H-TOWN WINNERS:

Men's Divisions

Heavyweight Class (185-400 lbs)

Champion: Elswick, Gary, Ashland, KY Age: 35, Height: 5-11;

Runner Up: Washington, Leon, Huntington, WV Age: 32, Height: 6-0

Light Heavyweight (160-184 lbs.)

Champion: Slone, Dennis, Catlettsburg, KY Age: 39, Height: 5-8

Runner Up: Saunders, Rob, Gallipolis, OH Age: 28, Height: 5-8

Middleweight (140-15 9 lbs.)

Champion: Emerson, Kenneth, Grayson, KY Age: 24, Height: 6-0

Runner Up: Tyler, Shawn, Huntington, WV Age: 30, Height: 6-0

Women's Divisions

Heavyweight (Over 155 lbs)

Champion: Scarberry, Angela, Portsmouth, OH Age: 21, Height: 5-10

Runner Up: Gilpin, Anna, Huntington, WV Age: 25, Height: 5-2

Miss Ring Girl

Sara Staley, Huntington