Lewiston, Maine (April 20, 2015) – When Crowsneck Boutin (0-0) makes his professional debut on June 13, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, it will be just days shy of the three-year anniversary of his amateur debut in the very same building. On that warm, late-spring evening in 2012, a crowd of more than 3,000 had assembled to witness the Maine debut of former UFC World Heavyweight Champion Tim “The Maine-iac” Sylvia (31-10) at New England Fights’ (NEF) third mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event. Earlier that night, on the amateur portion card, Boutin was in action against Brent “Frosty” Dillingham (1-1). Dillingham won via technical knockout (TKO) in the first round. That was not the end of the action, however, as Boutin and Dillingham exchanged in a heated post-fight confrontation, having to be separated by officials.
The bad blood has continued over the course of the past three years, with occasional barbs being hurled by both sides on social media. Boutin’s opponent on June 13 will be none other than Dillingham’s coach at MMA Athletix, “The Junkyard Dog” Ryan Cowette (2-2). When he met Dillingham, Boutin was an independent fighter with no formal training in the martial arts. In the months that followed, Boutin would join the Choi Institute of Portland, Maine and transform himself into a prolific striker. Boutin is clear that the fighter who will step in the cage on June 13 opposite Cowette is not the same undisciplined street fighter who lost to Dillingham three years ago.
“As an amateur with zero days in a gym, I debuted against MMA Athletix,” recalled Boutin of his amateur debut. “Fast forward three years later, three years straight at the Choi Institute. Here is your throat back, thanks for the loan.”
Not only is Cowette the head of MMA Athletix, but he is also the founder and pastor of Victory Church in Bath, Maine. Having suffered a major disappointment when his opponent backed out of their scheduled bout during fight week of “NEF XVII” earlier this month, Cowette is optimistic in regards to the June 13 fight with Boutin.
“This should be a great fight for the fans,” said Cowette. “We both show up to fight and put on a show. I’m looking to push forward in the 185-pound division. Crowsneck will be a good test. I’m thankful for the opportunities NEF gives me.”
NEF’s next MMA event, “NEF XVIII: Made in America” will originate from the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine on June 13, 2015. Tickets for “NEF XVIII” start at just $25 and are on sale now at www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisee box office at207.783.2009 x 525. For more information on the event 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.