OT: Tough Guys documentary on Showtime

[Ranger Dan]

I recorded this a month or so ago and am just now watching it. It’s about the Tough Guy (and Tough Man) contests in the late 70’s and early 80’s, with the more prominent Tough Guy version originating in Pittsburgh. The premise is that they were the precursor to MMA. Anyone see the documentary? Anyone remember seeing any of these fights?

 

[Parkland Fan]

I recorded this a month or so ago and am just now watching it. It’s about the Tough Guy (and Tough Man) contests in the late 70’s and early 80’s, with the more prominent Tough Guy version originating in Pittsburgh. The premise is that they were the precursor to MMA. Anyone see the documentary? Anyone remember seeing any of these fights?

Almost entered one. I was heavy into the martial arts and some of my sparing partners were trying to talk me into it. Their logic was that I was a great defensive fighter with enough offense to beat an inexperienced fighter. The key was that I could make the 175 pound division that they could not (I was 6'1" and 178 lb). I initially laughed at the suggestion then they offered to cover the registration fee. Two of the rules changed and that was the end of it. First, they eliminated kicking which was one of my strengths. Then they eliminated the 175 lb. class. I wasn't about to go in the ring and give up 50 to 100 pounds. I don't remember if they ever got enough fighters to even hold the event. I did see some of the events on TV and I am glad that I never entered. It was really crazy street fighting - no defense and full speed punching. Most guys punched themselves out by the second round.

 

[palmettolion]

Was way too young to remember it when it happened. Watched the documentary two weeks ago, thought it was pretty good. Some very colorful dudes with interesting backgrounds. Of course, like most things involving the state of PA, there is a political corruption aspect to it.

 

[sluggo72]

I recorded this a month or so ago and am just now watching it. It’s about the Tough Guy (and Tough Man) contests in the late 70’s and early 80’s, with the more prominent Tough Guy version originating in Pittsburgh. The premise is that they were the precursor to MMA. Anyone see the documentary? Anyone remember seeing any of these fights?

HUH? 70's and 80's? Still have them each year here in Huntington!! In fact this is the link to the one in January of 2018 https://wvtoughman.com/fightersentered.aspx?id=79

they draw quit a crowd!

 

[Hedonist1]

Know/knew many of the principles.

 

[BUFFALO LION]

I recorded this a month or so ago and am just now watching it. It’s about the Tough Guy (and Tough Man) contests in the late 70’s and early 80’s, with the more prominent Tough Guy version originating in Pittsburgh. The premise is that they were the precursor to MMA. Anyone see the documentary? Anyone remember seeing any of these fights?

Oh ya!!! BUTTERBEAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Got his a$$ kicked when he tried MMA.

 

[Ranger Dan]

HUH? 70's and 80's? Still have them each year here in Huntington!! In fact this is the link to the one in January of 2018 https://wvtoughman.com/fightersentered.aspx?id=79

they draw quit a crowd!

If you had watched the documentary, you would know that there were "Tough Man brawlers welcome" events started by two martial arts guys in Pittsburgh in the late 70's. They discovered some guy from Michigan who had "Tough Man boxing only" events. The Michigan guy was somehow able to claim that he used the name first, so the Pittsburgh guys changed their name to Tough Guys. The Michigan version had no rules and little to no safeguards for the fighters. They actually charged the fighters $0.50 for water. At one on the Michigan run Tough Man events, held in western PA, some poor out of work ex Marine died from injuries sustained in the fight. There was so much outrage, but people couldn't separate the two promoters. The PA legislature got involved and passed a bill to outlaw the "Tough Guy" events. Yes, the dirtbag from Michigan was allowed to continue, but the more ethical promoters had to give it up. The documentary mentioned a few different run ins with the athletic commission, which apparently was motivated by trying to save boxing from being steamrolled by this open brawling sport.

 

[sluggo72]

If you had watched the documentary, you would know that there were "Tough Man brawlers welcome" events started by two martial arts guys in Pittsburgh in the late 70's. They discovered some guy from Michigan who had "Tough Man boxing only" events. The Michigan guy was somehow able to claim that he used the name first, so the Pittsburgh guys changed their name to Tough Guys. The Michigan version had no rules and little to no safeguards for the fighters. They actually charged the fighters $0.50 for water. At one on the Michigan run Tough Man events, held in western PA, some poor out of work ex Marine died from injuries sustained in the fight. There was so much outrage, but people couldn't separate the two promoters. The PA legislature got involved and passed a bill to outlaw the "Tough Guy" events. Yes, the dirtbag from Michigan was allowed to continue, but the more ethical promoters had to give it up. The documentary mentioned a few different run ins with the athletic commission, which apparently was motivated by trying to save boxing from being steamrolled by this open brawling sport.

thanks for the education!!

 

[Ranger Dan]

thanks for the education!!

It was actually very interesting... most guys just liked fighting and this was better than in the street. There was one controversial decision in a final fight of an event and both of these guys 35 years later, in their 60's would be willing to go back in the ring today to settle who was tougher.

 

[Victor E. Bell]

HUH? 70's and 80's? Still have them each year here in Huntington!! In fact this is the link to the one in January of 2018 https://wvtoughman.com/fightersentered.aspx?id=79

they draw quit a crowd!

If I were around in Sluggo's prime I don't think I'd bet a lot against him.

There are a lot of good vids about bareknuckle stuff on youtube. Underground blood sport, a lot of it in the UK. What a way to make a quid.

 

[BisbeeMike]

HUH? 70's and 80's? Still have them each year here in Huntington!! In fact this is the link to the one in January of 2018 https://wvtoughman.com/fightersentered.aspx?id=79

they draw quit a crowd!

There was a big boy from Huntingdon who played O line for us, in the early 80's, I want to say his name was Tom House? or Tim House? Anyway, kid was built like a fridge, short and wide and old school tough guy.

 

[cment]

Didn't see the documentary, but saw a "Toughman Fight", back in 97or 98 in Essington Penn., do not know if it was sanctioned. Fun time I think. Buddy of mine at the time entered and was 165# former nationally rank wrestler who took up Kenpo full time. My only memory was on the deck talking to girls and don't remember if he won or lost. He is now a really good physician making coin. (Still competes in MMA)