WV Toughman Contest Draws Huge Crowd

 

Heavyweight Champion Nathaniel McClain (black shorts) bouts with Anthony Sanford
Heavyweight Champion Nathaniel McClain (black shorts) bouts with Anthony Sanford

 

MARTINSBURG W.Va. — The Berkeley 2000 Rec Center was filled to capacity this past weekend during the WV Toughman Contest held on Friday and Saturday nights.

Crowds from all over the Eastern Panhandle and tri-state gathered to watch over 160 fighters duke it out in the ring,

The champion of the Heavyweight Class, Martinsburg native Nathaniel McClain, showcased his impressive stamina during his bouts, and after his first victory of the night he admitted that he could have even been more aggressive.

Congressman Alex Mooney was also present to honor retired West Virginia Boxer Perry Ballard, who won the World Boxing Foundation World Super Middleweight title last year at the age of 47.

Mooney said that Ballard, as well as the men that fought this weekend, really showcased the strength of the Mountain State.

“I’m pretty excited about being here and witnessing the toughness of West Virginians.  We’re tough in a lot of ways.  The terrain in this state traditionally has made us tough to live in the mountains and with the changes of weather.  And we’re also toughing out a rough economy in

a mere half of the crowd present on Saturday.
a mere half of the crowd present on Saturday.

our state right now.  Mr. Ballard is a good role model to not only the boxing world but to every young person because he has a good educational background and is a small-businessman.  He’s overcome a lot of obstacles and that’s what toughness is about – overcoming obstacles in life and succeeding,” Mooney said on Saturday night.

He also said that these types of contests can teach lifelong lessons suitable for any age.

Mooney explained, “Athletic competitions of any kind, I believe, makes you learn perseverance, dedication, learn to take a loss, and get back up and keep going. You don’t step into the ring unless you’re ready and prepared, and that takes time and dedication.  It’s just training for a career, a job, and life.”

The Contest now heads to Wheeling for the next stop on its tour.