In the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, where grit and determination are as abundant as the rolling hills, the King of the Mountain State boxing tournament stands as a testament to West Virginia’s proud fighting spirit. This annual invitation-only event brings together amateur and semi-professional boxers from across the region to battle for glory, respect, and the title of King of the Mountain State.
A Tradition of Grit
West Virginia has long been home to hard-working, tough-as-nails individuals, and boxing has become a natural outlet for this resilience. The King of the Mountain State Tournament celebrates this heritage by giving fighters from underrepresented areas a platform to showcase their talent.
The tournament not only highlights local athletes but also draws competitors from neighboring states like Pennsylvania, Kentucky, and Ohio, creating a melting pot of styles and skills. It’s Appalachia’s finest fighters putting on a show for the ages.
The audience is just as diverse as the competitors, with families, fans, and aspiring young boxers filling the stands, cheering for their favorite fighters. There’s a special camaraderie in the air as spectators come together to celebrate their shared love of the sport.
Highlights from This Year
This year’s tournament didn’t disappoint. From high-octane bouts featuring rising stars to hard-fought matches that went the distance, every fight was a testament to the heart and skill of the competitors.
Huntington’s Hero: Justin “Sandman” Samson Shines: Known for his eerie calmness in the ring, Justin “Sandman” Samson, delivered a standout performance thus far.
Round 1: He showcased his power and precision, defeating AR Green with a thrilling 3rd-round TKO.
Round 2: In a closely contested battle, Samson edged out Nohlan Stanley with a hard-fought split-decision victory.
On to the Finals: With his composure and skill on full display, Samson is ready to represent Huntington in the cruiserweight finals.
Indiana’s Own Sean “Layko” Schultz Dominates the Ring: Living up to his reputation, Sean “Layko” Schultz showcased relentless energy and raw power in a series of crowd-pleasing victories.
Round 1: Schultz claimed a victory by split decision over Sayyid Campbell, setting the tone with unwavering intensity.
Round 2: He delivered a jaw-dropping knockout against Hunter Markovich, leaving the crowd on their feet.
Cruiserweight Finals: With these electrifying performances, Schultz punched his ticket to the finals, solidifying his status as a tournament fan favorite.
Prophet "777" Johnson Charges Into the Finals: Hailing from Newark, OH, Johnson’s bull-like style powered him to victory this year.
Round 1: With a unanimous decision, Johnson was victorious over Duncan Pagano, leaving no doubt about his dominance.
Round 2: With only four competitors in the super middleweight division this year, he earned a bye in Round 2.
Final Showdown Awaits: Johnson is set to bring his relentless energy to the finals, where he’ll face Chris Perciavalle in a highly anticipated clash.
Chris "The Prophet" Perciavalle Heads to the Finals: Representing Pennsylvania, Perciavalle is as famous for his quirky humor as he is for his relentless tenacity in the ring.
Round 1: He secured a decisive unanimous decision victory over Ethan Blackburn.
Round 2: With only four fighters in the super middleweight class, Perciavalle advanced through Round 2 with a bye.
"The Prophet" vs. Prophet Showdown: Perciavalle will face Prophet Johnson in an epic final that promises to live up to the buzz.
Phillip "The Kid" Fox Eyes Welterweight Championship Glory: Hailing from Oceana, WV, Fox is making waves as one of the state’s most promising rising stars.
Round 1: Fox advanced via bye after his opponent, Ronnie Barret, was unable to compete.
Round 2: He delivered an explosive 1st-round TKO over Brandon Rogers, proving his dominance in the ring.
Welterweight Finals Await: Fox is set to face Tarrell Spencer in the finals, with the championship title on the line.
Tarrell "The Truth" Spencer Fights His Way Finals: Charleston, WV’s Tarrell Spencer has made a statement in his breakout year, showcasing his skill and determination.
Round 1: Spencer earned a hard-fought split decision victory over seasoned amateur Trevor Bell, proving he can handle the pressure.
Round 2: He followed up with an impressive 2nd-round TKO over Nate Breeden, solidifying his place in the finals.
Championship Battle Ahead: Spencer will face Phillip "The Kid" Fox for the welterweight title in what promises to be an unforgettable showdown.
Looking Ahead
The King of the Mountain State is more than just a single event—it’s a growing tradition that highlights the resilience and determination of Appalachia’s fighters. With each passing year, the tournament continues to grow in prestige, attracting more talent and further cementing its place as one of the region’s premier boxing events.
Whether you’re a lifelong boxing fan or new to the sport, the King of the Mountain State Tournament is an experience that shouldn’t be missed. From the roaring crowds to the unforgettable matches, it’s a celebration of boxing, community, and the indomitable spirit of the Mountain State.
Mark your calendars—West Virginia’s toughest fighters will be waiting for you in the ring!
Comments