Former St. George resident, William Shahan, is going to be fighting in the “King of the Coalfields 9”. The West Virginia State Heavyweight Championship will be held on Friday, Oct. 25, at 7 p.m. in Madison, WV.
Shahan, a 1997 graduate of Tucker County High School, has a very impressive fight career. He started out in 2000 fighting in the Toughman Contest as a joke with his brother. He lost four toughman style fights before winning twice in 2004, once in Elkins and once in Parkersburg. His brother finished in the Top Four of the World Toughman Contest.
He has also fought in Nevada and New York and has won the United States PKF Super Heavyweight Championship Belt. Shahan said, “My most memorable fight was in 2007 when I went to New York to face Jon Schneider (3-0). After I passed all my medical tests, I was in and out of the ring in five minutes with a win.”
With nine wins and five losses (eight wins by knockout) Shahan goes up against Warren Browning for his third chance at the heavyweight title. On the same night he also has a chance at the UBF North American Regional Title.
Shahan is working toward his Master’s Degree in Administration and is currently employed as a Mathematics teacher at Braxton County Middle School. He lives in Clarksburg along with his wife and they are expecting a baby girl in November. Shahan stated, “Not too many people get the opportunity to achieve their dream, but I am getting my third chance before my baby girl gets here.” He is the son of William and Barb Shahan.