Asheville News

Toughman: A review

Jason Sandford February 4, 2007

Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

It turns out that a lot of guys in the Original Toughman competition, held here in Ashvegas over the weekend, ain’t so tough. Lots of guys didn’t make it past the first round. They either had the fight stopped on them, or couldn’t muster the energy to get back up for the next round.

It was truly a redneck brawlfest. The fighting styles ranged from flailing whirlwind (mastered by a guy calling himself “The Tornado) to back-turning wuss. More than one fighter had a point deducted by the referee, who would then angrily shout: “Never turn your back! Do you understand me?!” That can be seriosuly dangerous.

We saw a little blood. We saw a few knock-downs. But no knock-outs. It appeared that the best punch to have in your arsenal was the upper-cut. Many opponents curled up but didn’t cover, so those that had the upper-cut shot had easy pickins.

Just about every fighter had at least one tattoo and one nickname. There were guys from Swannanoa and they worked at Wal-Mart. There were Harleys and Hooters girls (including one who sent the crowd roaring when, upon bending down to exit the ring, had a boob pop out of her overly tight tee) and oceans of Budweiser.

Just as we expected – a Big Bag of American Fun.

Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

Flurry

Some weekend news

3 Comments

Bill February 6, 2007

Boy, now there’s a surprise for ya… guys who have to prove they are tough are not.

Go figure.

Next you are going to tell me the USA is fighting an illegal war for oil.

Go on…

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A to the P February 5, 2007

In a world where Pride Fighting exists…how can this crap be considered tough?

If you want to see actual…you know…badass fighters, just search for "Fedor" on youtube.

Fedor is the current Pride Heavyweight Champion, and the widely considered the best fighter on earth.

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Ron from H'ville February 4, 2007

I’d give this a try but I’m kind of a bleeder.

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