Sat, Nov 22 2008
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Published July 17, 2008 11:49 pm - Boxing: Original Toughman Contest When: 8 p.m. tonight and Saturday Where: Muskogee Civic Center Tickets: $20, $15 to be sold only at Civic Center starting at noon today. Tough guys set for Toughman By Kenton Brooks Phoenix Sports Writer
Jonathan Barnes stood off to the side as the parade of fighters stepped on the scales for the weigh-in for this weekend’s Original Toughman Contest at the Muskogee Civic Center. “I’m just trying to look at my competition and see who I may be facing,” the former Hilldale High School running back said. “I’m not sure how much I weigh. I’m sure it’s under 185 pounds.” Barnes, a 2005 Hilldale graduate, tipped the scale at 170.2 pounds. He’s one of 40, including two women, signed up to step into the ring at 8 p.m. tonight and Saturday night to mix it up for three one-minute rounds — if that long. Now 22 years old, working as a cashier and still in the construction business for the Navy, Barnes said he’s always been interested in Toughman. “I just like to fight,” he said. “This isn’t too much of a macho thing. We’ll have gloves and headgear. I’m doing it for fun.” For others, it’s a little more serious. John Cuoto of Broken Arrow dropped more than 20 pounds since May to his current 180.8 to get ready for the contest. There will be two divisions, 160-184 pounds and 185-over. “I knew I didn’t have a shot in the heavier division,” Cuoto said. “I missed the one in Tulsa by two weeks and then I heard about this one, so I signed up.” The 38-year-old department store manager has a black belt in karate and tae-kwon-do. This will be his first Toughman. “(It’s dangerous), but so is life,” said the man who has the words “Ain’t Scared” tattooed on his arm. Brianna Cuoto was with her stepfather at the weigh-in. She’s not exactly crazy about the idea of watching him fight. “He’s been ready for this ever since he got the information,” the 17-year-old said. “I don’t want him to get hurt. My mother’s biting her nails and trying to pull out her hair about this.” What will she say to her stepfather before he goes into the ring? 
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