Jerry Thomas’ West Virginia Sports Promotions will begin accepting fighter and ring girl entries for next year’s West Virginia “Original” Toughman Contest on Friday.

Next year’s WV Toughman marks the 39th year of the event, which is a single-elimination boxing tournament open to area men and women ages 18-39, with no professional fights and limited amateur experience.

All bouts are three one-minute rounds, with all fighters wearing padded 16-ounce gloves and a mouthpiece. All applicants must be in good physical condition, and weight classes for both men and women are Lightweight (up to 139 lbs.), Middleweight (140-159 lbs.), Light Heavyweight (160-184 lbs.) and Heavyweight (185-400 lbs.)

Up to $12,000 in prize money will be awarded, with each men’s division champions receiving $1,000 and runner-ups receiving $300. Prize money for the women’s divisions may vary depending on the number of contestants and bouts. Each champion will also receive a Toughman jacket, and each weight class runner-up will receive a trophy.

“Miss Ring Girl” will receive $1,000 and a Toughman jacket. Second, third and fourth place ring girls will each receive $200.

Interested fighters and ring girls may enter online at www.wvtoughman.com or by calling 1-800-296-3897.

The 2018 WV Toughman Contest schedule is as follows:

• Jan. 12-13, Huntington, Big Sandy Superstore Arena.

• Jan. 19-20, Short Gap/Redgeley, Frankfort High School.

• Jan. 26-27, Clarksburg, Nathan Goff Armory.

• Feb. 2-3, Parkersburg, Parkersburg High School Field House.

• Feb. 16-17, Martinsburg, Berkley Rec Center.

• March 2-3, Wheeling, WesBanco Arena.

• March 9-10, Elkins, Elkins High School.

• April 6-7 Beckley, Beckley Convention Center.