Category Archives: Amateur MMA

COMBAT SPORTS GIVE BEZANSON DIRECTION AFTER FAMILY TRAGEDY

Lewiston, Maine (June 13, 2016) – Combat sports gave Mike Bezanson (1-0) direction. They also helped him cultivate the relationship with his father that he always coveted but could never seem to grasp.

Now, on the eve of Father’s Day, less than a week past the four-year anniversary of his dad’s untimely death, Bezanson is poised to take another step in the career that was their shared dream.

Bezanson, 21, of Lancaster, N.H., returns to the New England Fights hexagon to take on Shawn Bang (1-1) of Auburn, Maine, in a welterweight bout at “NEF 24: Promised Land.” Their amateur bout is one of the many attractions on theSaturday, June 18 card at Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston.

“I think this fight is going to be good for me, because I’ll be able to show my skills against an opponent with more in-cage experience than I have,” Bezanson said. “Also, the fact that June 18 is the day before Father’s Day makes this a sentimental and emotional fight for me.”

The encore comes almost a year to the day after Bezanson stopped Jeff Dustin (0-1) by technical knockout via strikes in his mixed martial arts debut on June 13, 2015. Bang has split his first two verdicts in the NEF cage.

Bezanson’s showboating, stick-and-move style drew mixed reviews from the large crowd that witnessed his rookie effort. Some booed the relative lack of action, perhaps suspecting that Bezanson was toying with an overmatched opponent.

It was all part of his plan to relish the moment and take advantage of the opportunity.

“Truthfully we had a game plan to get experience,” Bezanson said. “If I have any thoughts of going pro, I need to get as much experience as I can. If you go in there and knock a guy out in 10 seconds, don’t get me wrong, you got a knockout and that’s great, but you’re not learning what it takes to get comfortable on the other side of that 10 seconds. You don’t know how much energy you’re going to need.”

Bezanson never lacked energy, or personality, from childhood. He describes himself as a young man who never got into any serious trouble, and never experimented with drugs or other disorderly conduct, but one who freely challenged authority.

He gravitated to the boxing ring as a freshman in high school. It gave him direction. It also provided a foundation for the on-again, off-again relationship with his father, Jamie.

“Before I took up boxing, my dad wasn’t really involved much in my life. He would come and go, you know, for personal reasons,” Bezanson said. “When I started boxing, we got really close. Boxing and racing were his things. He would tell anybody and everybody that I was boxing and how proud he was, and that meant a lot to me.”

Jamie Bezanson never had the chance to watch his son develop as a fighter. On June 15, 2012, during annual “Bike Week” in Laconia, his motorcycle crossed the center line and struck another vehicle.

The elder Bezanson succumbed to his injuries. He was 37.

“I lost it for a while. I stopped boxing. Mentally, I was just in a very emotional place,” Bezanson said. “Then right next to my house, Kaze Dojo opened up. I said, ‘That’s something I could do.’”

Bezanson began training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with Greg Williams. He proved himself a natural talent, winning the gold medal in his debut at the Vermont Open.

Then came the natural progression to MMA, where his stand-up skills proved too difficult for Dustin to defend. Bezanson commanded the cage with the poise and surgical precision of a veteran.

“I’m a pretty confident guy all around. I really wasn’t that nervous. I figure why be scared if you’re prepared and you’ve put in all that training?” he said. “Ninety percent of fights are lost before you even get into the cage. If you let the emotions get to you, you’re not going to perform to the best of your ability.”

Bezanson suffered a catastrophic knee injury in training shortly thereafter. He has spent most of the past year recovering from surgery to repair a torn ACL and meniscus.

Once he returned to the gym, Bezanson spent much of his time focused on his evolving ground game. It should be tested royally by Bang, a former high school wrestler from a renowned regional fighting family.

“Striking is definitely one of my strengths. I’m a lanky dude, and I try to use that to my full advantage,” Bezanson said. “But I’ve worked really hard on my ground game in training. I didn’t really get a chance to show it in my first fight, but I know I will this time.”

Bezanson sees his second foray into the cage as the true beginning of what he hopes will be a prolific career.

In addition to the many fans who will make the four-hour round trip from the North Country to watch him, Bezanson knows he will have one special set of eyes in his corner.

“Boxing taught me a lot of discipline. MMA is the same thing. People can use it however they want, but that’s what it does for me,” he said. “It’s something I like to do and something that I know makes my father proud all at the same time.”

The opening bell on June 18 is set for 7 p.m. The current docket includes five pro boxing fights, three pro MMA bouts and eight amateur MMA skirmishes. Tickets for “NEF 24: Promised Land” start at $25 and are available atwww.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisee box office at 207.783.2009, extension 525.

For more information on the events and fight card updates, please visit the promotion’s website at www.NewEnglandFights.com.  In addition, you can watch NEF videos at www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, follow them on Twitter @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New England Fights.”

About New England Fights

New England Fights (“NEF”) is a fight events promotions company. NEF’s mission is to create the highest quality events for Maine’s fighters and fans alike. NEF’s executive team has extensive experience in combat sports management, events production, media relations, marketing, legal and advertising.

INTERNATIONAL FLAIR ADDED TO LEWISTON BOXING CARD AS IRELAND AND MEXICO RENEW RIVALRY

Lewiston, Maine (June 7, 2016) – In an international  boxing match-up, Ireland’s undefeated Steve Collins, Jr. (7-0-1, 3 KOs) will face his stiffest test yet as a pro when he takes on Mexico’s Jose Humberto Corral (19-21, 12 KOs) in a six-round cruiserweight fight on June 18, 2016 at The Androscoggin Bank Colisée.  The bout will take place as part of New England Fights’ (NEF) next event “NEF 24: PROMISED LAND.”

 

Collins, Jr., the son of former world champion and Irish boxing legend “The Celtic Warrior” Steve Collins (36-3, 21 KOs), will be fighting in the United States for the third consecutive time after having each of his first six fights in Ireland and Great Britain.

 

“I’m happy to be back over in the States fighting,” said Collins, Jr.  “The crowd and the fans have really seemed to enjoy my fighting and style that I bring to the boxing world.   I’ve been training hard at the Celtic Warriors Gym here in Ireland, and I’m looking forward to putting my knowledge to use in the ring.  My next opponent  has got a lot of fights under his belt, but I’m looking forward to giving him another loss.”

 

Jose Humberto Corral is a former amateur standout on the Mexican national team who has made a career as a pro as a journeyman giving solid tests to future world champions like Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin and regional prospects like Chris Traietti, Vinnie Carita and Paul Gonsalves.

 

“I’m looking forward to the opportunity to fight Steve Collins in Maine,” said Corral recently through a translator.  “Sure he’s an undefeated prospect and son of a former world champion, but I’ve got way more ring experience, and you can’t teach that.  If I had a peso for every time I got beat up by the son of a former world champion, I would have zero pesos.  I look forward to showcasing my skills in the same building Muhammad Ali fought in and leaving with all the American boxing fans looking forward to me coming back.”

 

Collins Jr. is promoted by Murphy’s Boxing USA, a boxing organization headed by Ken Casey of the popular rock band The Dropkick Murphys who are well known for hit songs like “I’m Shipping up to Boston,” “The State of Massachusetts” and “Skinhead on the MBTA.”

 

“It’s wonderful to be able to have Steve Jr. here so often,” said Ken Casey when reached for comment from Cork, Ireland during the band’s latest European tour.  “This will be his third fight here in the States in less than a year, and we are all excited to see where it goes from there. He’s proven that he can step out of his father’s shadow and legacy, and make a career and name for himself.  It’s going to be interesting to see where he ends up in another year from now, but we’re all excited to be part of his journey, and seeing what Steve Jr. can do.”

 

NEF returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine on June 18, 2016 with “NEF 24: PROMISED LAND.”  Tickets for “NEF 24” start at just $25 and are on sale now at www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisée box office at 207.783.2009 x 525.

 

For more information on the events and fight card updates, please visit the promotion’s website at www.NewEnglandFights.com.  In addition, you can watch NEF videos at www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, follow them on Twitter @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New England Fights.”

 

About New England Fights

 

New England Fights (“NEF”) is a fight events promotions company. NEF’s mission is to create the highest quality events for Maine’s fighters and fans alike. NEF’s executive team has extensive experience in combat sports management, events production, media relations, marketing, legal and advertising.

NEF WILL TAKE FIGHT FANS TO THE PROMISED LAND THIS FATHER’S DAY WEEKEND

Lewiston, Maine (June 3, 2016) – It will be a celebration of all things Americana when New England Fights (NEF) returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisée on Saturday, June 18, 2016.  The wildly popular fight promotion will once again give fans a full night of mixed-martial-arts (MMA) and professional boxing action.

 

In the main event of the boxing portion of the fight card, Brandon “The Cannon” Berry (11-1-1) will defend the Northeast Junior Welterweight Title against challenger James “The Motor City Bad Boy” Lester (10-9-1).  The two fought to a draw on the judges’ scorecards this past April in Lewiston.  They agreed to rematch with Berry’s title on the line.  This time, however, there will be an odd number of rounds (seven to be exact) to make the chances of another draw very slim.

 

Also on the boxing portion of the card, former USA New England Middleweight Champion Russell “The Haitian Sensation” Lamour (13-2) and Casey “The Buzzsaw” Kramlich (4-0-1) from the Portland Boxing Club in Portland, Maine will both make their respective NEF Boxing debuts.

 

The professional MMA portion of the card will see Jesse “The Viking” Erickson (6-5) return to the cage after his third unsuccessful attempt at capturing the lightweight title this past April.  Erickson will have his work cut out for him in the form of the always tough Amos Collins (4-5) at a catchweight of 161-pounds.

 

Erickson’s teammate, Matt “Ken Doll” Denning (3-2), will also see action on the professional MMA card when he meets Brandon Bushaw (1-2) in a featherweight bout.

 

The amateur MMA card will be headlined by a flyweight title rematch as Ryan Burgess (2-0) defends against the former champion, and the athlete he took the title from, Dustin Veinott (4-4).  Veinott’s loss to Burgess last fall via split decision put a stop to his four-fight win streak.

 

Also on the amateur card will be 46 year-old Dr. Steve Bang, Sr. (1-1), a bariatric surgeon from Auburn, Maine.  In an unplanned homage to Father’s Day, he will be joined on the fight card by his sons Steve Bang, Jr. (3-5),Shawn Bang (1-1), Skyler Bang (0-0) and foster son Conner Murphy (1-0).

 

The “NEF 24” fight card (subject to change):

 

PROFESSIONAL BOXING

 

140*TITLE Brandon Berry (11-1-1)(c) vs James Lester (10-9-1)

HWT Vinnie Carita (11-1-1) vs Francisco Mireles (17-10)

190 Steve Collins, Jr. (7-0-1) vs Jose Humberto Corral (19-21)

160 Russell Lamour (13-2) vs Roberto Valenzuela (69-71-2)

154 Casey Kramlich (4-0-1) vs Zenon Herrera (0-1)

PROFESSIONAL MMA

250 Michael Hansen (4-4) vs Robert Laroski (1-1)

 

170 CJ Ewer (1-0) vs Phil Rowe (1-2)

161 Jesse Erickson (6-5) vs Amos Collins (4-5)

 

145 Matt Denning (3-2) vs Brandon Bushaw (1-2)

 

 

AMATEUR MMA

 

125*TITLE Ryan Burgess (2-0)(c) vs Dustin Veinott (4-4)

170 Shawn Bang (1-1) vs Mike Bezanson (1-0)

155 Steve Bang Sr. (1-1) vs Stacy Lupo (0-0)

 

155 Derek Daley (0-0) vs Johel Stephenson (0-0)

 

155 Steve Bang, Jr. (3-5) vs Dominic Cofone (6-5)

 

145 Skyler Bang (0-0) Eddie DeRoche (0-0)

 

125 Conner Murphy (1-0) vs Justin Witham (1-4)

 

115 Alex Walker (0-1) vs Nicole Burgess (0-0)

 

 

NEF returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine on June 18, 2016 with “NEF 24: PROMISED LAND.”  Tickets for “NEF 24” start at just $25 and are on sale now at www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisée box office at207.783.2009 x 525.

 

For more information on the events and fight card updates, please visit the promotion’s website at www.NewEnglandFights.com.  In addition, you can watch NEF videos at www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, follow them on Twitter @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New England Fights.”

HE BUZZSAW ARRIVES IN NEF TO CUT THE COMPETITION DOWN

Lewiston, Maine (June 1, 2016) – Just one day removed from the announcement that Russell Lamour, Jr. (13-2, 6 KOs) would make his debut on a New England Fights (NEF) card, the fight promotion announced that Lamour’s teammate Casey “The Buzzsaw” Kramlich (4-0-1, 2 KOs) would also be featured on the “NEF 24: PROMISED LAND” professional boxing event.  On June 18, 2016 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée, Kramlich will face Zenon “K-Bar” Herrera (0-1) in a four-round super welterweight contest.

 

Along with Lamour, Kramlich trains at the Portland Boxing Club in Portland, Maine.  Kramlich, to date, has yet to taste defeat in the boxing ring as a professional.  Earlier this spring, Kramlich handed Boston’s Jason Kelly (5-1) the first loss of his professional career on a fight card in Salem, New Hampshire.  He dominated the first two rounds of the fight before the previously-undefeated Kelly was unable to answer the bell to open round three.

 

Last fall, Kramlich fought to a draw against Antonio Chaves Fernandez (6-23-2) on a card in Portland, Maine.  It is the only mark outside of the win column on Kramlich’s record.  On June 18, Kramlich plans to add another notch to that win column at the expense of Zenon Herrera.

 

“I’m very excited to be fighting on an NEF card,” said Kramlich.  “Looking forward to putting on a great show for the fans.  I’ve been training hard, I’m hungry and I’m looking to come out on top victorious and stay undefeated.”

 

Zenon Herrera is one of only a small handful of athletes to have competed in both the NEF MMA cage and the boxing ring.  Herrera made his boxing debut last fall in a losing effort to Tollison Lewis (2-1).  On June 18, Herrera will be looking for his first win in NEF.  He is a veteran of both the United States Army and Marine Corps, having served a combined nine years between the two military branches.

 

NEF returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine on June 18, 2016 with “NEF 24: PROMISED LAND.”  Tickets for “NEF 24” start at just $25 and are on sale now at www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisée box office at207.783.2009 x 525.

 

For more information on the events and fight card updates, please visit the promotion’s website at www.NewEnglandFights.com.  In addition, you can watch NEF videos at www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, follow them on Twitter @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New England Fights.”

 

About New England Fights

 

New England Fights (“NEF”) is a fight events promotions company. NEF’s mission is to create the highest quality events for Maine’s fighters and fans alike. NEF’s executive team has extensive experience in combat sports management, events production, media relations, marketing, legal and advertising.

HAITIAN SENSATION WILL MAKE NEF DEBUT ON JUNE 18

Lewiston, Maine (May 31, 2016) – The Androscoggin Bank Colisée has a storied history of professional boxing inside the arena’s four walls.  On June 18, Russell “The Haitian Sensation” Lamour, Jr. (13-2, 6 KOs) will add the next chapter to that story when he enters the New England Fights (NEF) ring for the first time.  At “NEF 24: PROMISED LAND,” Lamour will make his NEF debut in a middleweight bout against Mexican veteran Roberto “El Viejo” Valenzuela (69-71-2, 56 KOs).

 

“Definitely excited to be making my NEF debut,” said Lamour.  “NEF does a lot of shows here in Maine, and from what I hear it’s always a packed show.  So I’m looking forward being on this card.  I am excited about fighting at the Colisée ’cause I can then say that I fought in the same building that Muhammad Ali fought in and also that it’s right here at home in Maine.  Fighting here at home again is always a great feeling, especially when you’re fighting in front of the people that support you the most.  Can’t ask for anything better than that when fighting here in your backyard.”

 

A native of Brooklyn, New York, Lamour entered the Portland Boxing Club shortly after graduating from Deering High School in Portland, Maine.  He had a stellar amateur boxing career, finishing with a record of 79-16.  Among his numerous amateur accomplishments, Lamour was a five-time New England regional Golden Gloves champion.  He competed in the semi-pro World Series of Boxing (WSB) where he was the number-one ranked middleweight in the Americas.

 

Lamour’s success carried over to the professional ranks where he won his first 11 bouts.  Over the course of that impressive run, Lamour would capture the vacant USA New England Middleweight Title with a TKO victory over Laatekwei Hammond (21-6) in Lamour’s hometown of Portland, Maine.  Lamour has competed on ESPN’s Friday Night Fights before a national audience.  Last month, he scored a TKO win over Borngod Washington (3-17) in Salem, New Hampshire.  Lamour hopes to make it two in a row with a win over Valenzuela on June 18.

 

“He is a journeymen,” Lamour said of his upcoming opponent. “He’s been fighting for a while and has seen many different styles, but to me he’s just someone else that’s in my pathway that I have to beat to get to where I want to be, so I have to get him out of my way.”

 

Roberto Valenzuela is no stranger to Maine fight fans.  He travelled from his home in Sonora, Mexico to Lewiston, Maine last fall to battle Brandon “The Cannon” Berry (11-1-1).   Valenzuela would lose the bout via unanimous decision, but he impressed all in attendance with his gritty performance, roughing up Berry and cutting him above the eye in the process.  Valenzuela has faced the likes of former world champions Andre Berto (31-4, 24 KOs) and Steve Forbes (35-14, 11 KOs) and current world champion Zahir Raheem (35-3, 21 KOs).  He held the Mexican Pacific Coast Super Featherweight Title from 2003 to 2007.

 

“I am very excited to come back to Maine and fight again,” said Valenzuela through a translator.  “I love New England, and I’ve fought in Maine, Massachusetts, Vermont and Rhode Island during the course of my career.  I’ve also worked corners in Connecticut and been pulled over for speeding in New Hampshire, so that must count for something.  The last time I was in Maine, I busted open Brandon Berry’s eye and waged a bloody war.  I’m ready to do the same with Russell Lamour.  I hope he’s ready too.”

 

NEF returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine on June 18, 2016 with “NEF 24: PROMISED LAND.”  Tickets for “NEF 24” start at just $25 and are on sale now at www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisée box office at207.783.2009 x 525.

 

For more information on the events and fight card updates, please visit the promotion’s website at www.NewEnglandFights.com.  In addition, you can watch NEF videos at www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, follow them on Twitter @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New England Fights.”

MILITARY VETERANS TO FEATURE PROMINENTLY ON NEF 24 PRO MMA CARD

Lewiston, Maine (May 30, 2016) – New England Fights (NEF) presents “NEF 24: PROMISED LAND” at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston on June 18, 2016.   On that night, two military veterans will be featured in professional mixed-martial-arts (MMA) bouts.  Mike “The Mustache” Hansen (4-4) will compete in a heavyweight bout while CJ Ewer (1-0) will see action in the welterweight division.

 

Mike Hansen won two state wrestling championships competing for Mountain Valley High School (MVHS) in Rumford, Maine.  Shortly after graduation, Hansen began training in MMA and made his debut in the sport in 2005.  He would, however, put his MMA career on the backburner for the next decade to enlist and serve his country as a combat engineer in the United States Army.  After retiring from the Army, Hansen returned to Maine and opened Berserkers MMA in Rumford, where he trains other MVHS alum to compete in the NEF cage.  OnJune 18, Hansen will face Robert Laroski (1-1).

 

“I hope he’s been training, ’cause I’ve been active starting this year,” said Hansen.  “I’m looking for a win coming off my last fight.  I will find his weaknesses and exploit them.  I’m looking for the finish, and it won’t take long.  Just over 51 years ago, (Muhammad) Ali got the first round, first minute stoppage over (Sonny) Liston right at the Colisee.  My fight will end in similar fashion, under the same roof.”

 

CJ Ewer is a proud member of the United States Air Force security forces.  When he is not overseas serving his country, Ewer can be found back home in the Bangor, Maine area training at Young’s MMA.  After a successful amateur career, he submitted Zenon Herrera in his pro debut earlier this year.  On June 18, Ewer will take on “The Fresh Prince” Phil Rowe (1-2) from Florida.

 

NEF returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine on June 18, 2016 with “NEF 24: PROMISED LAND.”  Tickets for “NEF 24” start at just $25 and are on sale now at www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisée box office at207.783.2009 x 525.

 

For more information on the events and fight card updates, please visit the promotion’s website at www.NewEnglandFights.com.  In addition, you can watch NEF videos at www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, follow them on Twitter @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New England Fights.”

 

About New England Fights

 

New England Fights (“NEF”) is a fight events promotions company. NEF’s mission is to create the highest quality events for Maine’s fighters and fans alike. NEF’s executive team has extensive experience in combat sports management, events production, media relations, marketing, legal and advertising.

MORE THAN JUST GOLD IS AT STAKE IN TITLE REMATCH

Lewiston, Maine (May 27, 2016) – One of the past year’s most intense rivalries is about to be reignited.  On June 18, 2016, when New England Fights (NEF) presents “NEF 24: PROMISED LAND” at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, former amateur mixed-martial-arts (MMA) flyweight champion Dustin Veinott (4-4) will have his chance to recapture the strap from Ryan Burgess (2-0).  Burgess took the title from Veinott last fall at “NEF XX” in a very close split decision.  The outcome on the judges’ scorecards has been a topic of heavy debate amongst NEF fans ever since.

 

“I have wanted this rematch since right after he took the title,” said Veinott.  “I know I wasn’t at 100% when I fought him last time.  Best believe I will have no distractions this time around.  I also feel he disrespected the whole weight division.  I will teach him to respect this division.  I am here to prove that us 125ers might be small, but we are all tough guys that know how to fight!”

 

“Last time me and Dustin met in the cage, we went to war,” recalled Burgess.   “Expect nothing less than that in our rematch. Many people considered it a close split decision fight, and although I wasn’t able to utilize my ground striking as I had hoped, I don’t see how you can call it a close match when I was able to impose my will on him throughout the entire three rounds. I believe that he does deserve this rematch, though, as he made the trip to Hyannis, Mass for the last event and was unfortunately not able to compete due to his opponent not making weight. Opponents in my weight class are hard to come by in this region and I believe of all the guys who are consistent with their weight cuts, Dustin deserves another shot.”

 

The Hyannis, Massachusetts bout that Burgess refers to was to take place earlier this month between Veinott and Ryan “Razzle Dazzle” Kane (4-3).  The match was cancelled at weigh-ins when Kane did not make the agreed-to catchweight.

 

“I was very frustrated about Razzle Dazzle not making weight,” stated Veinott.  “Especially after I gave him the extra four pounds that he asked for.  However, he disrespected me by not showing up on weight – that is why I didn’t take the fight.”

 

Burgess, a member of Berserkers MMA in Rumford, Maine, is clear that he plans to finish the rematch with Veinott and not leave any room for controversy with another decision.  He is not out to simply retain his title, but to also prove a point – that he is the undisputed top amateur flyweight in Maine.  And to do that, Burgess knows he has to put Veinott away definitively.

 

“All I have to say to Dustin is ‘congrats, you got your rematch that you’ve been asking for.’ I hope you don’t expect the same fighter you got last time – your fans may be disappointed at the end of the night.  Come June 18th, I will solidify myself as the top flyweight for NEF, as well as make a statement of the improvements I have been making outside of the cage.  There will be no ‘fan controversy’ after I finish this fight in the first or second round.”

 

Veinott contends that he will be more focused this time around.  A member of Central Maine Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Veinott is confident in his ability to submit Burgess should Burgess, a three-time state wrestling champion out of Mountain Valley High School with 150 wins to his credit, take the fight to the mat.

 

“The difference that I will make going into this fight is to have no distractions,” said Veinott.  “I will make sure I am the most mentally prepared I have ever been.  I feel I already have all the tools to beat him.  I caught him in several submissions our last fight, and I know for a fact he doesn’t want to stand with me.  He will be going for another wrestling match and I am fully prepared for that.”

 

And while the coveted NEF MMA Amateur Flyweight Title may be on the line on June 18, both Veinott and Burgess are looking to finish their rivalry once and for all.

 

“Find your seats early folks ’cause this one will be a quick thriller,” said Burgess in closing.  “Our last bout I had a game plan to grind out a decision victory.  A finish will go in the books after this fight.”

 

“The one thing Ryan should know is not to think this fight will be the same as the first one,” Veinott stated emphatically.  “I will leave everything in the cage.  You will see a different fighter, and I will come out victorious.  It is time to release the beast!”

 

NEF returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine on June 18, 2016 with “NEF 24: PROMISED LAND.”  Tickets for “NEF 24” start at just $25 and are on sale now at www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisée box office at 207.783.2009 x 525.

 

For more information on the events and fight card updates, please visit the promotion’s website at www.NewEnglandFights.com.  In addition, you can watch NEF videos at www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, follow them on Twitter @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New England Fights.”

 

About New England Fights

 

New England Fights (“NEF”) is a fight events promotions company. NEF’s mission is to create the highest quality events for Maine’s fighters and fans alike. NEF’s executive team has extensive experience in combat sports management, events production, media relations, marketing, legal and advertising.

NO MORE DRAWS; THERE MUST BE A WINNER IN NORTHEAST TITLE FIGHT

Lewiston, Maine (May 25, 2016) – New England Fights (NEF) returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine onJune 18, 2016 with “NEF 24: PROMISED LAND.”  The fight promotion will put on another full night of mixed-martial-arts (MMA) cagefights and pro boxing bouts.  Earlier today, NEF executives announced the headline fight for the boxing portion of the fight card.  West Forks, Maine’s own Brandon “The Cannon” Berry (11-1-1) will put the Northeast Junior Welterweight Title on the line in a rematch against Detroit, Michigan’s James “The Motor City Bad Boy” Lester (10-9-1).

 

Berry and Lester met earlier this spring at “NEF 22” in Lewiston.  The six-round bout was ruled a majority draw on the judges’ scorecards.  This time around, however, NEF executives had a trick up their sleeves – add a seventh round to all but guarantee a winner.

 

Berry won the Northeast Junior Welterweight Title in October 2014 in Lewiston against West Virginia Toughman Champion Eric Palmer (4-3-3).  He has been the kingpin of the 140-pound division in the Northeast ever since.  The draw against Lester halted a three-fight win streak Berry had been on since returning from a shoulder injury last year.

 

“I think the main difference in a rematch between me and James will be more action,” Berry predicted.  “We both know what we bring to the table, we both enjoy pleasing the crowd, and we both want to win.  I think those are some key ingredients to a great matchup.  I have a lot of respect for James , his boxing ability, and what he brings to the table.  I was impressed with his speed, his all around toughness, and his ring generalship.  I’m excited to headline another card in Lewiston, and can’t wait for the crowd to enjoy my fight, along with a few other boxing matches that include some talented Maine boxers.  I hope that we can draw a big crowd and have a quality night of fights.  See you all on the 18th!”

 

“I’m most definitely looking forward to fighting in Maine again,” said Lester, a former top-ranked national amateur boxer.  “The fans there are awesome. I even gained a few fans from my last fight who’s been messaging me on a regular like a young guy by the name of Hunter Moore who messages me every week making sure I’m training hard for the rematch.”

 

Lester is a product of the world-famous Kronk Gym in Detroit where Thomas “Hitman” Hearns (61-5-1, 48 KOs), Oscar De La Hoya (39-6, 30 KOs), Lennox Lewis (41-2-1, 32 KOs) and Wladimir Klitschko (64-4, 53 KOs), among others, have prepared for world title bouts under legendary trainer, the late Emanuel Steward.  “The only thing that will be different this time is I will be in better condition. That was my only downfall last time. This time I’ll be able to box and stay on my toes for the tough pressure that Brandon brings.”

 

NEF returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine on June 18, 2016 with “NEF 24: PROMISED LAND.”  Tickets for “NEF 24” start at just $25 and are on sale now at www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisée box office at207.783.2009 x 525.

 

For more information on the events and fight card updates, please visit the promotion’s website at www.NewEnglandFights.com.  In addition, you can watch NEF videos at www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, follow them on Twitter @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New England Fights.”

 

About New England Fights

 

New England Fights (“NEF”) is a fight events promotions company. NEF’s mission is to create the highest quality events for Maine’s fighters and fans alike. NEF’s executive team has extensive experience in combat sports management, events production, media relations, marketing, legal and advertising.

LIGHTWEIGHT FIGHT HAS ALL THE MAKINGS OF A WRESTLING CLASSIC

Lewiston, Maine (May 23, 2016) – New England Fights (NEF) returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine on June 18, 2016 with “NEF 24: PROMISED LAND.”  The fight promotion will put on another full night of mixed-martial-arts (MMA) cage fights and pro boxing bouts.  Earlier today, NEF executives announced the addition of an amateur lightweight matchup to the MMA portion of the card.  After a year’s absence, “Dangerous” Dom “Hands of Stone” Cofone (6-5) will return to the NEF MMA cage to face Steve Bang, Jr. (3-5) at a fight weight of 155-pounds.

 

Dom Cofone was a Class A state wrestling champion out of Westbrook High School in Westbrook, Maine.  He entered the MMA ranks in February of 2013.  Since that time, he has been featured on nine NEF cards.  Cofone’s last appearance in the promotion was in June 2015 at “NEF 18.”  That night, Cofone submitted Jason Lachance (2-3) in the second round.  He is currently a member of the Academy of MMA in Portland, Maine, training under MMA pioneers Jay Jack and Amanda Buckner.

 

“I’m so thankful for the opportunity to step into the NEF cage once again,” said Cofone.  “With my coaches and teammates from the Academy behind me, I know I’ll be able to have a great performance.  June 18th is going to be an awesome night for the NEF fans and an even better night for the Westbrook wrestling alumni!”

 

Steve Bang is a member of the famous Bang fighting family of Auburn, Maine.  On June 18, he will join his father and brothers in the NEF MMA cage.   Bang wrestled as an independent during his years at Edward Little High School in Auburn, Maine.  He is currently a member of Central Maine Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (CMBJJ).  Bang will look to rebound from a second-round submission loss to Fabian Miranda (2-0) last week at “NEF 23” in Hyannis, Massachusetts.

 

“I’m super pumped to fight with all of my family,” said Bang.  “It’s always a great experience. This past year has been a rough year for me in many different ways and I feel like I am just – as of a month or two ago – coming out of it. I feel great in all aspects; mentally, spiritually, and physically.  I am fired up and ready to do battle with so much of my family doing what Bangs’ do just fires me up more.  I’m excited to fight alongside Shawn again who I haven’t seen in two years and have only spoken to three times.  I’m excited to fight Dom. I think it will be a great match up. I don’t get to fight many wrestlers.  And I want to thank him for the opportunity to allow me to do what I love to do.”

 

NEF returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine on June 18, 2016 with “NEF 24: PROMISED LAND.”  Tickets for “NEF 24” start at just $25 and are on sale now at www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisée box office at 207.783.2009 x 525.

 

For more information on the events and fight card updates, please visit the promotion’s website at www.NewEnglandFights.com.  In addition, you can watch NEF videos at www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, follow them on Twitter @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New England Fights.”

 

About New England Fights

 

New England Fights (“NEF”) is a fight events promotions company. NEF’s mission is to create the highest quality events for Maine’s fighters and fans alike. NEF’s executive team has extensive experience in combat sports management, events production, media relations, marketing, legal and advertising.

FAN-FAVORITE DREAM MATCH MORE THAN JUST FANTASY

Lewiston, Maine (May 19, 2016) – Since long before the dawn of the internet, sports fans have debated the outcome of fantasy meetings between beloved teams and athletes.  What would happen if Mike Tyson and Muhammad Ali met in their respective prime?  Could the ’96 Bulls beat the ’86 Lakers?  How would the bats of the ’27 Yankees fare against the starting rotation of the ’98 Braves?  In mixed-martial-arts (MMA), presumably because the sport is so young, fantasy matchups are usually separated by weight classes as opposed to time.

 

Such is the case with the professional middleweight bout recently signed by New England Fights (NEF) for the fight promotion’s June 18 event, “NEF 24: PROMISED LAND,” in Lewiston.  Jesse “The Viking” Erickson (6-5) will move up two weight classes to face Crowsneck Boutin (2-2) at 185-pounds.  It is a fight that fans of both popular athletes never imagined they would see, and now it is happening.

 

Jesse Erickson was unsuccessful in his attempt to capture the vacant NEF MMA Pro Lightweight Title last month at “NEF22.”  The loss to Devin Powell (6-1) put a halt to Erickson’s three-fight win streak.  The upcoming bout with Boutin offers not only a chance for redemption, but a chance for Erickson to fight without going through the rigors of a strenuous weight cut.

 

“Crowsneck is someone who always puts on a good show,” said Erickson.  “I’m excited for the challenge  and look forward to the cage door being locked with us inside.  I truly enjoy getting in that cage and this show I’ll be doing it without the misery of cutting weight.  Don’t miss this fight!”

 

After losing two-in-a-row in the MMA cage and coming up with a draw in a pro boxing bout, Crowsneck Boutin scored a big victory last weekend over Ruben Redman (0-1) in Hyannis, Massachusetts.  The win brought Boutin’s record back up to the .500 mark.  On June 18, he will have the opportunity to add another notch to the win column.

 

“The fight fever is aboard me,” said Boutin.  “I’ll be ready to battle.  Erickson is a bad ass, so I love this fight.  From my perspective, it appears that our dark towers is one in the same.”

 

NEF returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine on June 18, 2016 with “NEF 24: PROMISED LAND.”  Tickets for “NEF 24” start at just $25 and are on sale now at www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisée box office at207.783.2009 x 525.

 

For more information on the events and fight card updates, please visit the promotion’s website at www.NewEnglandFights.com.  In addition, you can watch NEF videos at www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, follow them on Twitter @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New England Fights.”