On November 30th, at the DoubleTree in Huntington, WV, we're going to witness the best fight our state has seen in a really long time, if ever. These two men have clearly separated themselves from everyone else over the past couple of years, and it's hard to argue that they haven't earned the title as the two best in Appalachia. In three weeks, they're going to fight each other, and only one of them can be the 2024 King of the Mountain State.
Sean "Layko" Schultz has burst onto the scene by beating some of the best heavyweights in the region. The young phenom out off Indianapolis, IN has really made a name for himself in the mountain state. Justin "Sandman" Samson will get the loudest ovation of the night. The Huntington, WV native has come up through the local tri-state region and been one of the best for a long time. Samson moved up to cruiserweight this year and here he is in the finals.
The Sandman grew up in boxing. When you watch him fight it's easy to see. Even when he's warming up before a fight you can tell he's a polished boxer. He had the fortunate opportunity as a youth to have some great coaches and compete in USA Boxing where he developed so many of the tools he has today.
He's all grown up now and to go along with that slick skill set he's a problem physically. He's tall and long and knows how to use his reach both offensively and defensively. It was time for him to move up from light heavyweight and into the cruiserweight division. After struggling to make the previous 175lb mark, he now looks as healthy and strong as we have ever seen him at 200lbs. He's gotten himself to the finals by being not only a great boxer but also a physical powerful fighter. The Sandman is regarded as the best complete fighter in the region.
"Layko" is built different. Literally, we've never seen anyone at this point in their career be as powerful, explosive, and elusive as Sean Schultz. His path to this point hasn't been the easiest, but all that matters now is that he's here. Schultz made a name for himself in underground markets and unsanctioned events. His exciting fight style and matched success in that type of fighting gained him attention quickly. It got our attention.
Over the past couple years "Layko" has transitioned from a fighter into a boxer that likes to fight. This has produced some of the biggest knockouts we have seen on our circuit. Now that he isn't competing against heavyweights his physicality will be difficult for most cruiserweights to deal with. Some feel he's still working on becoming a complete boxer, but he is the most dangerous fighter in the region.
No one has any idea who is going to win this generational matchup. It's been a long time, if ever, that we've seen this level of fighting in Appalachian amateur ranks. It's probably going to be a long time until we ever see it again. It's the 2024 King of the Mountain State Cruiserweight Championship on Nov 30th in Huntington, WV. We finally get to witness "Layko" vs. "Sandman". Tickets at chillsports.net/events
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