Centeno wins arm-wrestling tourney

Ernesto Centeno earned the bragging rights on Saturday.

But he’s only got two months before they might be taken away.

Centeno, of Visalia, walked away as winner of McDermont Field House’s first arm-wrestling tournament by defeating Vicente Guzman for the light heavyweight division (166-198 pounds) championship. The tournament was one of several attractions at McDermont’s Hot August Bikes indoor motorcycle show.

Guzman, who competed out of his weight class, and Centeno were the only ones to compete in that division — essentially a one-time, winner-takes-all match. Centeno received a $100 gift certificate to McDermont for the prize.

Not bad for a guy who showed up not expecting to wrestle.

“I didn’t think anyone else would show up,” Centeno said. “No one seemed to know about it. It ended up happening, so I thought, ‘Yeah, I’ll do it.’”

Centeno, who works out three times a week at Visalia’s In-Shape City, didn’t train for the event nor was he in his best shape.

“I came in really, really sore,” Centeno said. “I didn’t think I’d do very well.”

Guzman went home as the lightweight champion, defeating runner-up Manuel Sierras twice amidst a field of four competitors. Guzman also received a $100 gift certificate.

McDermont plans to host another arm-wrestling tournament in October with a retired professional arm wrestler coming in to regulate the matches.

Centeno says he’ll be back and, this time, he’ll be more prepared.

“I guess I gotta defend my title, right?” he said.