Some local fighters are getting ready to rumble. Also known as Fight Night at the Feaster Center, The Rumble is scheduled for April 21. The event is sponsored by Signal 12 and No Holds Barr Promotions.

 

“This is my first time putting on a show at the Feaster Center, but my third show at Fairmont State University,” said local fighter and trainer, Keith Barr.

 

The event is sanctioned by the West Virginia Athletic Commission. Taking the ring will be several locals. In the women’s division will be Samantha “Leggz” Pill, former Toughwoman champ who turned pro and is currently undefeated and ranked No. 4 in the U.S. A nursing supervisor at United Hospital Center, the six-foot-tall, 30-year-old Pill turned pro in April of 2017, taking on Michigan’s Melisa Holmes at Fairmont State. She won in a one-sided, four-round unanimous decision and since then has participated in - and won- several other fights.

 

Since she turned pro, Pill can no longer fight amateur and arranging a professional fight takes a lot of legwork. 

 

"We have to arrange and contract contenders and with the women's division having limited resources, there are few of us and literaly we are far between," she said. "I have been seeking local sponsorships to try to help with funding for training, traveling and bringing opponents in - or to be able to take my family with me on the road for fights."

 

Pill currently stands 2-0 in the heavyweight division and is dropping to super middleweight for her next match.

 

"But I aim to continue fighting a little heavier as I am currently ranked fourth in the United States," she said. "Many opportunities could come open after this next fight if all goes as planned and I am ready for the next step."

 

Pill said she has learned much and grown as af ighter since the last time she was on a local show. She and her team are excited to apply and isplay what they have accomplished, she said. 

 

Hometown shows are the best, Pill said. 

 

"We have so many great fighters here that work so hard at our sport and it just isn't popular or recognized nearly enough," she said. "I have the most respect for high school and college sports, as well, but here we are 10 years laterr literally fighting for some spotlight. Another special reason I love fighting at Fairmont State University is that I graduated there in 2007 with an associate's degree in nursing and after choosing not to play college basketball - thinking my athletic, competitive days were over."

 

Pill still works full-time as a nurse. 

 

"I can't see myself not practicing as a nurse, but I definitely won't be hanging up the gloves any time soon," she said. 

 

Barr, who has traveled with Pill, said she is one of the best athletes he has ever seen.

 

“Her physical attributes separate her from lots of women boxers; her arm length, her strength and her heart,” he said. “She is only getting better every time she steps into the ring. I’m just enjoying the journey with her.”

Also fighting will be two-time Toughwoman champion Haley Bishop, a Bridgeport High School graduate, and three-time Toughwoman champion Heather Moran, who also works as a nurse at UHC.

 

“I’m looking forward to this fight because it’s my trainer’s fight and we all get to fight on the same show,” Moran said. “It will show everyone all the hard work we put in.”

 

Since claiming the women’s heavyweight division in the February 2018 West Virginia Toughman contest at Nathan Golf Armory in Clarksburg, Moran has accomplished a personal goal by dropping more than 15 pounds and now fighting light heavyweight.

 

In the men’s division will be undefeated pro boxer Cordelle “Rampage” Jackson and two-time Toughman champ Gabe Lambert of Bridgeport.

 

“And I’ll be fighting for the West Virginia heavyweight title and UBF North American title as well,” Barr said. “This promises to be a great event.”

 

Pill said the card is stacked with family, friends and warriors from all around the area; those who just want to get in the ring and show people what they do.

 

Gates open at 6:30 p.m. with fights starting at 7 p.m. Reserve seating is $30 and general admission is $20. Second row tables which seat eight are available for $300.