Portland, Maine (May 2, 2018) – New England Fights (NEF) returns to Aura in Portland, Maine with its next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 34: Home of the Brave,” on Saturday night, June 16, 2018. Earlier today, the fight promotion announced the addition of an amateur welterweight championship bout to the card. Carlton Charles (2-1) is scheduled to take on Duncan “The Highlander” Smith (2-2) for the vacant NEF amateur 170-pound title. The fight is set for five three-minute rounds.
Carlton Charles burst onto the NEF scene last summer with a 23-second technical knockout of then-undefeated Josh Jones (2-4) on a card in Bangor, Maine. Earlier this year, Charles returned to the NEF cage with a 12-second dismantling of Delmarkis Edwards (0-1). The former fullback for the University of Maine Black Bears will get his first shot at MMA gold on June 16, but he is no stranger to championships. After playing for Windham High School, Charles led the football team to a Class A state title as an assistant coach.
“I’m really excited and blessed for this opportunity to fight for the NEF amateur welterweight title,” said Charles. “I think it’s a big important step forward for my experience as an amateur and fighting career. This fight is against a great opponent that I know will, and is, training hard and will leave it all in the cage. I know my coaches and family will have me ready for this fight, and I’m looking forward to us putting on a show for Portland!”
Duncan Smith made his NEF debut last month at “NEF 33” in Portland with an impressive standing guillotine submission of Taylor Bartlett (0-1) in the first round. Smith had previously competed for other promotions throughout the region in MMA and kickboxing bouts since 2014. He is a member of Evolution Athletix based in Saco, Maine.
“Carlton and I are both looking to go pro and climb up the ladder,” said Smith. “Fights like this is what it’s all about. I have the upmost respect for my opponent, but I have all the skills to win. Other than getting clipped, this fight is already won.”
NEF’s next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 34: Home of the Brave,” will take place at Aura in Portland, Maine on Saturday, June 16, 2018. Tickets are on-sale now online at www.AuraMaine.com.
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 fighters and fans alike. NEF’s executive team has extensive experience in combat sports management, events production, media relations, marketing, legal and advertising.