Terminating toughman competitions: sometimes you wonder how low we can go. The barbaric and bloodthirsty game called "toughman" is now banned or regulated in 24 states.

• Author: Goodwin, Janna

A 30-year-old mother of two was pummeled to death in Florida last year in front of a cheering crowd. Stacy Young was punched and pounded by a much younger, thinner and faster opponent. After two rounds, Young was no longer protecting herself. The 240-pound woman soon collapsed to the mat, and the referee declared a knockout. She failed to regain consciousness and died two days later.

Young was participating in an organized brawl called a "toughman" competition, in which amatuer fighters battle each other. The events usually involve 40 participants, weighing up to 400 pounds apiece, but with no weight categories or restrictions. They square off in a two-day elimination match, with each fight consisting of three one-minute rounds. Winners of a match can collect a prize ranging from $250 to $1,000.

Participants wear one-size-fits-all protective gear, which may be passed from fighter to fighter with little regard for safety or sanitation. The physical examinations prior to the events check blood pressure and alcohol levels only. Promoters depend on combatants to be truthful about their medical history and boxing background. Fighters are seldom insured, and sometimes there aren't physicians available during the events. Many times the fighters sign a waiver to exempt organizers from any liability should there be injuries.

"It's pretty much unregulated fighting," says Illinois Representative Angelo "Skip" Saviano. "They use every means possible to beat each other up, and there are no rules." He sponsored a 2004 law that effectively outlaws such competitions.

Since toughman fights began in 1979, at least 12 men have died. Young was the first woman, and lawmakers took notice. Florida matches were regulated under the state's boxing statute, but organizers took advantage of a loophole that ignored amateur events. Legislation was enacted in 2004 that requires amateur...