Kenny Smith is a bad dude.
The 35-year-old from Severna Park is definitely someone you don’t want to mess with.
Especially in the arena of arm wrestling.
“I’m a light heavyweight. I’m ranked No. 3 in North America left-handed and No. 4 right-handed,” he said.
Smith is a professional arm wrestler who competes in the World Armwrestling League. He trains out of his Millersville gym Old Line CrossFit. He’ll be on hand when the WAL holds its next big event, Thursday in Baltimore. It’s WAL402 at Rams Head Live.
If you’re thinking it’s going to be a couple guys testing their strength in the middle of a bar, think again.
“You have announcers. You have qualified referees. It’s a totally different atmosphere,” said Smith.
With superior athletes who train around the clock.
“When these two guys go against each other the intensity, the adrenaline to see the two arms collide, everybody can appreciate it in that atmosphere. The fans get an up close, personal view of it.”
There are basically five main rules to professional arm wrestling. Dominant elbow on the pad on the table. Your other hand on a peg at the edge of the table. At least one foot must stay on the floor. Shoulders must be above the table. Then you lock wrists, keep them square, and begin.
It’s easy to get hooked. Smith said in Maryland alone his sport is quickly gaining in popularity.
“You got the arm wrestling pit for the WAL. The fans are actually surrounding the table. They get to see these athletes and we’re going to have the best athletes in the world here in Baltimore.”
Thursday’s event begins at about 8:00 p.m. and features the heavyweight bout between Jerry Cadorette and Devon Larratt for the number one spot in the world.
Tickets are $15.
Follow Shawn Stepner on Twitter @StepnerWMAR and Facebook
