The annual Toughman is one of the most anticipated sporting events of the year in Logan County.

With no college or pro sports in the area, the Toughman gives area fans their yearly “boxing fix,” and a chance to “step out of box” from the usual high school and youth sporting events.

It’s something different.

It’s something unique.

And that’s why it has been so well received over the years according to the yearly faithful who jam Logan High School’s 3,000-seat Willie Akers Arena each November.

It’s hard to believe, but this Friday and Saturday’s Coal Area Toughman at Logan will be entering its 19th year.

“This is the 19th year in Logan and beginning the 29th year for the Toughman overall,” said Toughman Boxing promoter Jerry Thomas, who has precided over the Logan event each time. “Logan has always been a very strong event since Day One. We always like to come to Logan. We’ve made a lot of good friends over the years at Logan. We look forward to it. It’s a great show. The people really like the event and support it.”

Thomas said he can remember many excellent boxers and events at Logan in the last couple of decades.

“There’s been a lot of excitement and a lot of memories at Logan over the years,” Thomas said. “There’s been some very, very good fighters. The people in Logan really seem to get into the event and really back their local fighters. That’s what it’s all about. There’s been so many exciting fighters and so many exciting events over the years that it’s hard to pin-point one particular moment. There’s been some great fighters over the years such as Daniel Hensley, Jason McCloud, Jason Smith and Jordan Moore. Going back in time I remember some of the early fighters that we had. It’s been great.”

Thomas said Logan’s fans have always enjoyed seeing the Toughman come back year after year.

“I’m just as excited to come back. I’m always on the edge of my seat,” he said. “It is so exciting and you never know what’s going to happen. It’s just a great event.”

In years past the Toughman has come to 10 different West Virginia cities, including Logan.

This year, it has been expanded to 12. The yearly event at Huntington’s Big Sandy Superstore Arena is one of the nation’s largest, Thomas said.

“Toughman gets stronger and stronger. We’ve added two more events to our schedule this year