Union Local graduate Demitree “Hitman” Turner is shown winning a Toughman Contest two weeks ago in Parkersburg. He is the only defending champion entered when the 42 annual OV Toughman begins tonight inside WesBanco Arena.

WHEELING – How tough are you? Nearly 150 Ohio Valley men and women will find out this weekend when the 42 annual Ohio Valley Toughman Contest takes center stage inside WesBanco Arena.

The popular event will begin at 7 p.m. on both Friday and Saturday.

“We are really looking forward to coming to Wheeling. We always do,” Jerry Thomas of W.Va. Sports Promotions said earlier this week. “Wheeling is our third oldest event behind Clarksburg (44) and Beckley (43).”

The Toughman Contest missed the entire 2020 season due to COVID-19, but has rebounded very strongly so far in 2023.

“We have had three events so far this year and it seems we are back to pre-COVID numbers as far as attendance and fighters go,” Thomas said. “We are looking for the same this weekend.”

According to Thomas, this year might be the most wide-open event they’ve ever had in Wheeling as only one returning champion is back to defend his crown – that being Belmont, Ohio, native Demitree “Hitman” Turner in the men’s middleweight division. The Union Local graduate also won the Parkersburg title two weeks ago.

Thomas did note that there are two second generation fighters entered in Mingo Junction’s Paul “Red Dog” Eakle and Jeremiah Colbert from Washington, Pa.

Thomas also said there will be a “brand new” ring in use and a “brand new” color scheme will be introduced to fans.

“After a lot of years we retired the old ring,” Thomas said. “We have also expanded the lighting in the fighter’s walk-out and we have several other new things in store.”

Up to $17,000 in prize money will be awarded to the 10 champions in five different weight classes – 5 female and 5 male, as well as the winning ring girl. They also receive Toughman jackets and bragging rights for at least one year.

“Ticket sales have been very good so far, but there are always plenty of good seats remaining,” Thomas said.