Tag Archives: Derek Shorey

boxing, mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

DREAM MATCHES, BELLATOR VETERANS & TITLE FIGHTS TOP NEF 29 FIGHT CARD

Leave a comment

Lewiston, Maine (June 1, 2017) – New England Fights (NEF) returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisee on June 17 with a fight card featuring both mixed-martial-arts (MMA) and professional boxing bouts.  Earlier today, the promotion announced the full fight card for the event.  The fight card is subject to approval of the Combat Sports Authority of Maine (CSAM).  The boxing portion of the card will begin at 7 pm EDT with the MMA card to immediately follow.

 

In a highly-anticipated “Superfight,” Maine MMA star Bruce “Pretty Boy” Boyington (14-9 MMA, 1-0 boxing) will take on Maine’s premier boxer Russell “The Haitian Sensation” Lamour, Jr. (15-2, 7 KOs) in a six-round boxing bout.  The fight will be a dream match for fans who never expected to see each sports’ top in-state athletes face one another.  Boyington and Lamour have both been featured in nationally-televised bouts on NBC and ESPN in recent years.  Lamour is the former New England Middleweight Champion, while Boyington held the NEF MMA Lightweight Title until relinquishing it last year to sign with the World Series of Fighting (WSOF) global promotion.

 

“Bruce and Russell are at the top of their respective games,” noted NEF co-owner and matchmaker Matt Peterson.  “Russell is a great boxer, and he’s going to face a superb striker in the form of Taekwondo black belt Bruce Boyington.  This is a true dream match for Maine fight fans.”

 

The professional MMA portion of the fight card will feature the long-awaited return of former NEF MMA Featherweight Champion Ray “All Business” Wood (8-3) as he faces Brazilian prospect Alexandre “Popo” Bezerra (19-5).  Wood left Maine more than two years ago to re-settle in South Carolina and then Texas.  Both Wood and Bezerra are veterans of the Bellator cage with a dozen fights between them for the national promotion.

 

“When you consider both sides, this is probably the highest-level fight to ever take place in NEF,” said NEF co-owner and promoter Nick DiSalvo.  “This fight could easily be slid into any UFC card on FS1 or Fox and steal the show.  Either one of these athletes could get the call up after this fight.  Our fans are about to see something special.”

 

The amateur MMA card will be headlined by a title fight with Rafael “Deez Nuts” Velado (4-0) defending the amateur lightweight championship against Maine Amateur Wrestling Alliance Hall of Famer Pat Kelly(3-0).  At age 52, Kelly will be the oldest fighter to ever challenge for an NEF title.

 

In addition to the fights, legendary boxer James “Buster” Douglas (38-6-1, 25 KOs) will make an appearance at “NEF 29” as the guest of honor.  Douglas will hold an hour-long meet-and-greet with fans at the Colisee from 6 pm to 7 pm prior to the opening bell.  Longtime fans will remember Douglas as the architect of the greatest upset in professional sports history with his knockout of “Iron” Mike Tyson (50-6, 44 KOs) in 1990 to claim the world heavyweight title.  Douglas halted the 37-fight undefeated streak that opened Tyson’s pro career.

 

The full “NEF 29” fight card (subject to change and approval of CSAM):

 

PROFESSIONAL BOXING

200 Crowsneck Boutin (Independent) vs. Cristiano Pedro (Cugno)

168 Jason Quirk (PBC) vs. Borngod Washington (Meekins)

160 Russell Lamour (PBC) vs. Bruce Boyington (Boyington’s TKD)

154 Casey Kramlich (PBC) vs. Bryan Goldsby (Jorge Gurgle)

 

PROFESSIONAL MMA

265 Ras Hylton (First Class/Dragon Fire) vs. Eric Ramsey (Trinity)

145 Alexandre Bezerra (Daddis) vs. Ray Wood (Nick’s)

145 Dominic Jones (First Class) vs. Matt Denning (CMBJJ)

145 Andre Belcarris (NE Assassins) vs. Josh Parker (Ruthless)

 

AMATEUR MMA

155*TITLE Rafael Velado (First Class) (c) vs. Pat Kelly (Young’s)

185  Mike Williams (CMBJJ) vs. John Tefft (First Class)

185 Anthony Spires (Independent) vs. Josh Jones (First Class)

150 Jacob Deppmeyer (First Class) vs. Ben Harrington(CMBJJ)

145 Derek Daley (First Class) vs. Frank Johanson (CMBJJ)

140 Glenn Kasabian (Nostos) vs. Kam Arnold (CMBJJ)

115 Alex Walker (Kaze) vs. Sarah Ziehm (CMBJJ)

 

 

New England Fights returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine with its next event, “NEF 29: STARS & STRIPES,” on Saturday, June 17, 2017.  Tickets are on sale now at the Colisee box office 207-783-2009 x 525 and online at www.TheColisee.com.  The event will be broadcast live on the FloCombat app on Roku and Apple TV and streamed live at www.FloCombat.com.

 

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.

boxing, mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

MAINE GETS ITS OWN VERSION OF MCGREGOR-MAYWEATHER WITH JUNE 17 SUPERFIGHT

Leave a comment

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Lewiston, Maine (May 19, 2017) – It was once rare for two athletes from different combat sports disciplines to compete against one another.  In 1963, legendary catch wrestler and judo practitioner Gene Lebell took on journeyman boxer Milo Savage in a match credited as the grandfather of modern mixed-martial-arts (MMA).  Later, in 1976, boxing world heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali faced Japanese wrestler and martial artist Antonio Inoki in an exhibition bout in Tokyo broadcast globally on closed-circuit television, a precursor to pay-per-view.

 

Recent years have seen more and more MMA fighters and boxers transition between the two sports.  For some time now, rumors have swirled over a potential meeting of boxing mega-star Floyd Mayweather and reigning UFC lightweight kingpin Conor McGregor.  Should the bout happen, it will undoubtedly be one of the highest-ever grossing matchups financially.  And while both sides work out the details for that contest, Maine fight fans will get their own superfight on Saturday, June 17 in Lewiston when Russell “The Haitian Sensation” Lamour, Jr. (15-2, 7 KOs – boxing record) meets Bruce “Pretty Boy” Boyington (14-9 – MMA record) in a six-round middleweight boxing match.  It will be the boxing headliner of a hybrid MMA and boxing event presented by New England Fights (NEF) at the venerable Androscoggin Bank Colisee.

 

It is not that boxers and MMA fighters have never met each other in Maine in the past.  They do often in NEF, which promotes both sports.  What makes this a “superfight” is the status of each athlete in the state.  Indeed, Lamour and Boyington are to the current local fight scene what Mayweather and McGregor are to the global scene.  They are both mega-stars in-state, each with his own army of loyal fans.

 

“With all the talk of McGregor versus Mayweather, it’s an interesting match,” said Lamour’s coach and head of the Portland Boxing Club Bob Russo.  “One of the best middleweights in New England in boxing versus one of the best lightweights in New England in MMA . I was pleasantly  surprised when we were called out by Boyington. We had been offered a few different opponents that we agreed to and I guess they had second thoughts. Then we got the call that this challenge was on the table.  This is something that will create a real buzz among boxing and MMA fans.”

 

Lamour is the face of present-day professional boxing in Maine.  He won more than 100 amateur bouts and is an eight-time regional Golden Gloves champion, a five-time New England regional champion and a Bronze Medalist in the 2009 USA Boxing championships among numerous other accomplishments.  Lamour competed in the semi-pro World Series of Boxing where he was ranked number-one in the North American middleweight conference.  As a professional, Lamour has been outstanding.  He captured the New England Middleweight Title in 2014.  Lamour has competed on ESPN’s Friday Night Fights boxing series before a national audience.

 

“I will fight anyone that ends up in front of me,” said Lamour.  “I respect the MMA fighters, they are all tough guys, but to challenge in the boxing ring is a major mistake.  I’ll be in great shape and ready.  He better be too!”

 

Bruce Boyington, a veteran of the United States Marine Corps (USMC), is no stranger to the boxing ring.  He won his professional boxing debut in 2014 on an NEF card.  Boyington is a world-class striker.  He is a second-degree black belt in Taekwondo, an eight-time Maine state champion and a two-time national champion with countless tournament championships and medals to his credit in the traditional martial art.

 

It is Boyington’s success in the MMA cage, however, for which he is most well known.  His flashy striking and knockout prowess earned him a reputation as the “human highlight-reel” of NEF.  He captured the NEF MMA Pro Lightweight Title in 2014 and defended it successfully three times before relinquishing the belt to sign with the global World Series of Fighting (WSOF) promotion in 2016.

 

Since signing with WSOF, Boyington has fought on some of the largest stages the world has to offer, including Madison Square Garden in New York City on the undercard of an event broadcast nationally on NBC.  He has traveled as far as Russia to fight for major international promotion Absolute Championship Berkut (ACB).  With WSOF taking some time to regroup under new ownership as the “Professional Fighters League,” Boyington was looking to stay active while awaiting his next national bout.  The opportunity to fight in front of his many hometown fans one more time was irresistible.

 

“Boxing is his game, but I’ve had 25 professional fights and over 100 Taekwondo fights in my time,” said Boyington.  “I’m excited and honored to share the ring with the best boxing has to offer.  The only thing I’m ever after is a challenge, and I have one in Russell. It’s exciting to compete back home where it all essentially began for me with NEF, so I thank Matt (Peterson, NEF co-owner) and Nick (DiSalvo, NEF co-owner) for the opportunity and to Russell – let’s dance baby!”

 

New England Fights returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine with its next event, “NEF 29: STARS & STRIPES,” on Saturday, June 17, 2017.  Tickets are on sale now at the Colisee box office 207-783-2009 x 525 and online atwww.TheColisee.com.

 

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.

mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

THE FIGHTING FIREMAN WILL MAKE NEF DEBUT ON JUNE 17

Leave a comment

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Lewiston, Maine (May 16, 2017) – New England Fights (NEF) returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisee on Saturday, June 17, 2017with the fight promotion’s next event, “NEF 29: STARS & STRIPES.”  The event will feature a full slate of mixed-martial-arts (MMA) and professional boxing bouts.  Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of a professional boxing bout to the fight card.  Jason “The Fighting Fireman” Quirk returns to the ring against Borngod Washington in a four-round super middleweight bout.

 

The fight will represent the first appearance for Quirk in the NEF boxing ring.  After a stellar amateur career, Quirk turned pro in late 2014.  He has been perfect (5-0, 3 KOs) over the course of his pro career thus far.  When Quirk steps into the ring onJune 17, it will have been more than a year-and-a-half since his last fight, and he is looking forward to competing once again.  He trains out of the Portland Boxing Club (PBC) and works as a firefighter with the Portland Fire Department – Local 740 IAFF.  Quirk also served his country for four years as a member of the Coast Guard.

 

“I’m looking forward to getting back in the ring and getting to work,” said Quirk immediately following a training session at PBC.  “We’ve had a good camp so far, and I’m training hard for this fight. I’m grateful for NEF considering me for this card and I’m ready to put on a show.”

 

Borngod Washington is about as seasoned of a veteran as one will find in the boxing world.  The native of Queens, New York has fought in the pro ranks since 2007.  Washington’s career highlight came in 2011 when he scored a fourth-round TKO victory over Ricky Dawson (4-1, 1 KO), brother of former light-heavyweight champion of the world Chad Dawson (34-5, 19 KOs).  Washington also took current light-heavyweight contender Sean Monaghan (28-0, 17 KOs) the distance in a four-round bout, losing a majority decision on the judges’ scorecards.  He currently trains with John Wesley Meekins (25-5-2, 17 KOs) in New York.  Meekins challenged Meldrick Taylor (38-8-1, 20 KOs) for the IBF Junior Welterweight Title in 1989.

 

“I’m excited to come to Maine and fight with my new trainer John Wesley Meekins in my corner,” said Washington.  “I’m returning to form and ready to go, and I thank NEF for the opportunity to fight in Maine.  I’ve got people from different areas coming to see the fight, and I know I’ll be ready”.

 

New England Fights returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine with its next event, “NEF 29: STARS & STRIPES,” on Saturday, June 17, 2017.  Tickets are on sale now at the Colisee box office 207-783-2009 x 525 and online atwww.TheColisee.com.

 

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.

mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

KRAMLICH LOOKING TO PUT ON A SHOW FOR HOMETOWN FANS ON JUNE 17

Leave a comment

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Lewiston, Maine (May 15, 2017) – New England Fights (NEF) returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisee on Saturday, June 17, 2017with the fight promotion’s next event, “NEF 29: STARS & STRIPES.”  The event will feature a full slate of mixed-martial-arts (MMA) and professional boxing bouts.  Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of a professional boxing bout to the fight card.  Casey “Buzzsaw” Kramlich (7-0-1, 3 KOs), a native of nearby Gray, Maine, will take on Bryan Goldsby (4-3) in a super welterweight match scheduled for four rounds.

 

Kramlich is coming off the biggest win of his young career.  Last month in Rhode Island, Kramlich handed Ray Oliveira, Jr. (7-1, 1 KO), son of former world title challenger Ray Oliveira, Sr. (47-11-2, 22 KOs),  his first loss.  The majority decision victory was considered somewhat of an upset in that Kramlich had traveled to Oliveira, Jr.’s turf and spoiled the local prospect’s win streak.

 

Now back in Maine and training with the Portland Boxing Club, Kramlich is looking forward to once again competing before his hometown fans.  He is a two-fight veteran of the NEF ring with two TKO wins to his credit in Lewiston.

 

“I’m really looking forward to fighting back in Maine and on an NEF card,” said Kramlich. “I always love to put on a good show for the home town fans and that’s exactly what your gonna get June 17th. Goldsby seems like a seasoned veteran with good experience, but come fight night, he’s in the ring with a young hungry lion. I’ll be ready for war.”

 

And, make no mistake about it, Bryan Goldsby will give Kramlich a war on June 17.  A native of Macon, Georgia, Goldsby will be right at home fighting next to an MMA cage.  He holds a record of 17-16 as a professional mixed-martial-artist.  In fact, Goldsby is a four-fight veteran of the Bellator cage and even competed in the promotion’s Season Three bantamweight tournament.  Goldsby has had success transitioning to the boxing ring.  He won four of his first five bouts via decision before dropping his last two.

 

New England Fights returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine with its next event, “NEF 29: STARS & STRIPES,” on Saturday, June 17, 2017.  Tickets are on sale now at the Colisee box office 207-783-2009 x 525 and online atwww.TheColisee.com.

 

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.

mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

SCORECARDS WILL NOT BE NEEDED FOR NEF 29 FEATHERWEIGHT BATTLE

Leave a comment

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Lewiston, Maine (May 10, 2017) – New England Fights (NEF) returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisee on Saturday, June 17, 2017 with the fight promotion’s next event, “NEF 29: STARS & STRIPES.”  The event will feature a full slate of mixed-martial-arts (MMA) and professional boxing bouts.  Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of a professional featherweight contest to the fight card.  Josh Parker (5-9) will meet Andre “The Finisher” Belcarris (0-1) at a fight weight of 145-pounds.  Both athletes have earned a reputation for finishing fights and “not letting it go to the judges’ scorecards.”  Both will also be looking to bounce back from losses at “NEF 28” last month.

 

Josh Parker was riding high off a win over Derek Shorey (4-9) when he signed to face Matt Denning (4-6) on April 29.  Unfortunately for Parker, Denning was able to work his jiu-jitsu effectively and submit Parker in the first round.  Like all Josh Parker bouts, however, the action was fast and furious and the head of Ruthless MMA & Boxing predicts much of the same excitement for his fight with Belcarris.

 

“I want to thank NEF for the opportunity, and I want to thank my opponent for taking the fight,” said Parker.  “I’m excited for the challenge. Andre has a lot of experience in the cage and with 11 knockouts on his record, I’d say our fighting styles are going to make one hell of an exciting fight. The fans are going love this one. See you June 17th!”

 

Andre Belcarris entered the NEF cage for the first time at “NEF 28,” making his professional debut after an amateur career spanning more than three-dozen fights.  In the opposite corner stood veteran Walter Smith-Cotito (5-5).  Belcarris held his own against the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt for two rounds before Smith-Cotito was able to submit him.  While the fight did take place at featherweight, Belcarris had spent the majority of his camp training for a bantamweight bout with Elias Leland (3-2) until Leland had to pull out due to injury.  Now with a full camp to prepare for a fight at featherweight, Belcarris promises improvements in his game.

 

“I’m working hard to improve upon my last performance,” said Belcarris between training sessions at NorthEast Assassins in Vermont.  “A full camp with 145 as the target is a different setup.  I will be ready!”

 

New England Fights returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine with its next event, “NEF 29: STARS & STRIPES,” on Saturday, June 17, 2017.  Tickets are on sale now at the Colisee box office 207-783-2009 x 525 and online at www.TheColisee.com.

 

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.

Amateur MMA, mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights, women's MMA

WOMEN’S FIGHT AT NEF 29 IS A MATTER OF RESPECT

Leave a comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Lewiston, Maine (May 9, 2017) – “I wanna knock her out!”  Those were the emphatic words of Alex Walker (3-1) when asked last weekend at “NEF 28” for her prediction on her upcoming fight with Sarah Ziehm (1-0).  The crowd at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee erupted in response.

 

Walker and Ziehm are scheduled to face off when New England Fights (NEF) returns to the Colisee onSaturday, June 17, 2017 with the fight promotion’s next event, “NEF 29: STARS & STRIPES.”  Walker, a two-fight veteran of the NEF cage and a member of Lancaster, New Hampshire’s Team Kaze, has made it her mission to teach Ziehm a lesson in respect for what Walker viewed as a “cocky” performance in Ziehm’s debut earlier this year.

 

“I have respect for 99% of the females I do battle with, but I do not respect her,” said Walker when reached for comment.  “I don’t like the way she handled herself in her first fight, I think she needs to be humbled and I will do that in June – if she even shows up! My manager told (NEF matchmaker) Matt Peterson to have a backup because she will come up with an excuse not to get a beating.”

 

Ziehm made her MMA debut last February with a win over Nicole Burgess (0-2).  She submitted Burgess in the third round after a dominant performance.  (Of note, Walker also submitted Burgess in the third round just a few months earlier.)  Ziehm trains with Central Maine Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (CMBJJ) in Lewiston.

 

“This will be a good battle,” predicted Ziehm.  “Alex is a seasoned and skilled warrior. I’m not underestimating her at all. I’m excited to get back into cage and do some work.”

 

New England Fights returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine with its next event, “NEF 29: STARS & STRIPES,” on Saturday, June 17, 2017.  Tickets are on sale now at the Colisee box office 207-783-2009 x 525 and online at www.TheColisee.com.

 

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.

mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

ONLY ONE CAN MAKE IT TWO-IN-A-ROW AT NEF 29

Leave a comment

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Lewiston, Maine (May 5, 2017) –New England Fights (NEF) returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisee on Saturday, June 17, 2017 with the fight promotion’s next event, “NEF 29: STARS & STRIPES.”  The event will feature a full slate of mixed-martial-arts (MMA) and professional boxing bouts.  Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of a professional featherweight bout to the fight card.  Matt “Ken Doll” Denning (4-6) will take on Dominic “Domination” Jones (1-0) at a weight of 145-pounds.  Both athletes are coming off wins last weekend at “NEF 28.”

 

Denning entered the cage six days ago looking to break a four-fight skid.  The Central Maine Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (CMBJJ) featherweight worked his ground game and submitted Josh Parker (5-9) with a Guillotine Choke in the first round.  He donated a portion of his earnings for the fight to Derek Shorey’s (4-9) family members recently left homeless by a fire in Somersworth, New Hampshire.  Denning has now vowed revenge for his teammate, Tollison Lewis (1-6), who fell to Jones last weekend, and he has committed to going undefeated for the remainder of the year.

 

“I’m excited to continue my fighting career with New England Fights,” said Denning. “I’m coming for another win against someone who just TKO’d my teammate. He seems like a nice kid and a solid wrestler, but I’m a better striker and have far superior jiu-jitsu! I’m not losing again this year! See you guys June 17th.”

 

After a takedown early in the first round, Dom Jones was able to do exactly what his nickname says – dominate – against Tollison Lewis last Saturday night at “NEF 28.”  Jones used his wrestling to smother Lewis, defending submission attempts in the process, and pounding a TKO win out of Lewis in the final minute of the first round.  The bout was Jones’ first in Maine after a lengthy amateur career in his previous home state of Florida.  Jones predicts that he will be the one walking away with a two-fight win streak on June 17.

 

“I’m excited for this match up,” stated Jones.  “Wrestling versus jiu-jitsu! Once again, our gyms clash! It’s a good fight for me. Denning has worked to get where he is now, and I respect his work he has put in. I have to fight smart and not get caught. Come June 17th, when that cage door closes, I’m walking out 2-0! Thank you NEF for having me again.”

 

New England Fights returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine with its next event, “NEF 29: STARS & STRIPES,” on Saturday, June 17, 2017.  Tickets are on sale now at the Colisee box office 207-783-2009 x 525 and online atwww.TheColisee.com.

 

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.”

mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

A NEW NEF LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPION CROWNED IN LEWISTON

Leave a comment

Lewiston, Maine (April 30, 2017) – Again, blood flowed from the head of Jon Lemke. Again, “The” Ryan Sanders had his hand raised in victory.

This time, however, there was zero controversy or conjecture about the finish, and that authoritative ending made Sanders an NEF mixed martial arts champion for the first time.

Sanders used a guillotine choke to stop Lemke just 22 seconds into the second round and win the vacant New England Fights lightweight championship at “NEF 28: Invincible,” held Saturday night at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston.

Their previous non-title confrontation in November 2016 ended with Lemke unable to continue due to an accidental cut. Sanders earned the victory by winning the first two rounds on all three judges’ scorecards.

In the title-bout rematch, Sanders likely was behind on those cards after Lemke used a late takedown to punctuate what had been a back-and-forth, stand-up opening session.

“He hit me right in the … gut, and it … hurt,” Sanders said, peppering the statement with the smile and the expletives that are his calling card. “I knew the first round was going to tough, because he’s a killer, and I tend to be a slow starter.”

Sanders (14-8) wasted no time getting Lemke (6-8) to the mat and earning the tap in round two. It was his seventh win in nine NEF appearances.

The Bangor-based battler dedicated the win to his wife, Vanessa, who was in the cage to put the belt around her husband’s waist. The couple celebrated their fifth wedding anniversary Friday.

“She saved my life,” Sanders said. “She’s the reason I’m here, the reason I fight, and the reason I’m a champion.”

In the co-main event, Josh Harvey (4-0) stayed undefeated with a brutal, 50-second knockout of Derek Shorey.

Shorey (4-9) returned to the NEF cage to raise funds for four of his children and their mother, who lost their home in a recent New Hampshire apartment fire.

“He’s a great guy and a super warrior. I’m glad he stepped up to fight,” Harvey said. “Next I’d like to fight someone else who’s undefeated.”

Matt Denning of Auburn ended his four-fight winless streak with authority. “Ken Doll” made his long-awaited return to the NEF cage with a first-round verdict over Josh Parker.

Denning used his grappling strength to win the grudge match. He rallied from an early takedown, dominated on the ground, and used a guillotine to put it away in the fourth minute.

“It feels good to win. I finally got one,” Denning said. “I’m at 145 pounds, which is where I belong.”

Bellator veteran Walter Smith-Cotito improved his NEF record to 3-0, and he has done it against eye-opening opposition. On the heels of past wins over Bruce Boyington and Elias Leland, Smith-Cotito defeated Andre Belcarris via rear naked choke at 2:05 of the second round. Belcarris was making his pro debut after 34 amateur bouts.

Dominic Jones made a triumphant pro debut, taking out NEF mainstay Tollison Lewis with only 30 seconds remaining in the first round.  Jones won all his amateur fights by decision, but be used his wrestling acumen to dominate his taller opponent on the ground and earn the TKO.

First-round stoppages also were the rule in the amateur portion of the card, with all four fights ending in under two minutes.

The most controversial result involved Caleb “Dr. Feelgood” Austin, an 18-year-old senior out of Mountain Valley High School in Rumford, taking on James Ploss of Kaze Dojo in Lancester, New Hampshire. It was the cage debut for both combatants.

Ploss was the aggressor from the opening bell and immediately took the action to the mat. That also played to the strengths of Austin, who amassed an astonishing 208-11 record while winning two state championships as a schoolboy wrestlers.

At about the 30-second mark, Ploss applied a guillotine and forced a tap from Austin.  Unfortunately for Ploss, the referee did not see Austin tap and he allowed the fight to continue after Ploss had released the hold.

Austin took full advantage of the reprieve and showed power in both his stand-up and striking game, eventually earning a TKO in the flyweight fracas at the 1:57 mark.

Josh “Basketball” Jones left no doubt whatsoever in his debut victory over Sean Worcester (0-3).

Jones, 29, who was drafted by the NBA Development League before embarking on a professional career in Germany and Canada, went on the early attack with looping haymakers. He dropped Worcester to the canvas and ended the middleweight scrap with a barrage of haymakers after only 20 seconds.

Jacob Deppmeyer evened his ledger in the amateur hexagon at 1-1 with a 77-second dismissal of Glenn Kasabian at a catch weight of 140. The wins by Dominic and Josh Jones as well as Dettmeyer made First Class MMA a perfect 3-0 on the evening.

Mason Travers joined the parade of fighters making a successful amateur debut with his win over Nigel Moye at 1:10 of the opening stanza.

Many big announcements were made concerning “NEF 29: Stars and Stripes,” which will be held Saturday, June 17 at Androscoggin Bank Colisee. The main event will feature the Maine homecoming of Ray “All Business” Wood.  Former NEF bantamweight champion Paul Gorman will also be featured.

Professional boxing will return to share the spotlight, led by local favorites Brandon Montella of North Anson and Russell Lamour of Portland, and with a special guest: Former heavyweight champion James “Buster’ Douglas will be in attendance to greet fans and sign autographs.

Tickets start at $25 and are available at www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisee box office at 207.783.2009, extension 525.

mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

SHOREY FIGHTING FOR HIS FAMILY AT NEF 28; NEW ENGLAND FIGHTS TO HELP RAISE FUNDS

Leave a comment

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Lewiston, Maine (April 10, 2017) – New England Fights (NEF) presents its next mixed-martial-arts event “NEF 28: INVINCIBLE” on Saturday, April 29, 2017 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine.  Earlier today, the fight promotion announced that “Shatterproof 2.0” Derek Shorey (4-8) would step in to face Rob “The Beast” Best (0-0) in a featherweight bout after Best’s original opponent, Matt Probin (0-0), fell out due to medical reasons.

For Shorey, the opportunity to fight came at the perfect time.  The head of the Dexter, Maine-based Shatterproof Combat Club had planned to take an extended leave from competition after a loss to Josh Parker (5-8) last fall at “NEF 26.”  Fate intervened recently, however, when tragedy beset Shorey’s family.  Last week, four of his children and their mother were left homeless after a two-alarm fire in Somersworth, New Hampshire.

“I wasn’t planning on fighting this soon,” said Shorey, “but when something like this happens, we do what we can. I asked Matt (Peterson, NEF matchmaker) for a fight to try and get some money to help rebuild after the fire and as fate would have it, a spot opened up. Rob Best is a grinder, nothing but respect for him.  This would be a tough fight for me even with a full camp, but I believe everything happens for a reason, and I still have a lot of fight left in me – especially when my heart gets involved.”

NEF further announced that the promotion would be raising funds at the “NEF 28” event to help assist Shorey’s family.

A Gofundme campaign has been established for the family at www.gofundme.com/15summerst/

New England Fights returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine with its next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 28: INVINCIBLE,” on Saturday, April 29, 2017.  Tickets are on sale now at the Colisee box office 207-783-2009 x 525 and online at www.TheColisee.com.

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 the promotion on Twitter and Instagram @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, regulatory affairs and advertising.

amateur mixed martial arts, mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

BLOOD REIGNS SUPREME ON FINAL LEWISTON FIGHT CARD OF 2016

Leave a comment

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Lewiston, Maine (November 19, 2016) – New England Fights (NEF) held its latest mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event, “NEF 26: SUPREMACY” on Saturday night at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  The promotion presented a total of 14 MMA bouts before a robust crowd of fight fans.

 

Blood flowed early and it continued to flow liberally throughout the night.

 

In the main event of the evening, Ryan Sanders (12-8) defeated Jon Lemke (5-7) via unanimous technical decision.  The fight was stopped in the third round when Lemke suffered a deep cut on his head.  With the fight being in the third round, under the Unified Rules of MMA the judges’ scorecards were called upon for a verdict.  Sanders won 20-18 on all three judges’ scorecards, having scored only the first two rounds.

 

The co-main event saw Josh Parker (5-8) submit Derek Shorey (4-8) in the first-round of a highly-anticipated “coach vs. coach” battle.

 

Rounding out the professional portion of the card, Aaron Lacey (4-0) remained undefeated with a verbal submission win over veteran Taylor Trahan (6-7).

 

Nick Gulliver (4-0) of Farmington, Maine captured the NEF Amateur Heavyweight Title with a victory over Yorgan DeCastro (2-3) as the headliner of the amateur card.

 

The results from Lewiston, Maine:

 

PROFESSIONAL MMA

 

Ryan Sanders def. Jon Lemke via unanimous technical decision

Josh Parker def. Derek Shorey via guillotine, round 1

Aaron Lacey def. Taylor Trahan via verbal submission, round 1

 

AMATEUR MMA

 

Nick Gulliver def. Yorgan DeCastro via TKO, round 3

Chris Smith def. Nash Roy via guillotine, round 1

Angelo Rizzitello def. Ken Dunn via TKO, round 1

Fred Lear def. Robby Fraser via standing guillotine, round 2

Mike Williams def. Mike Swan via TKO, round 2

Ras Hylton def. Kevin Smith via TKO, round 2

Tom Burgess def. Darren Ducharme via TKO, round 1

Fernanda Araujo def. Hannah Sparrell via armbar, round 2

Shawn Lunghi def. Alex Clark via rear-naked choke, round 2

Jessica Borga def. Brianne Genschel via unanimous decision

Chad Pierce def. Lyman Curtis via unanimous decision

 

NEF’s next event, “NEF 27: RESURGENCE” takes place on Saturday, February 11, 2017 at 7 p.m.  Tickets start at $25 and are on sale now at www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisee box office at 207.783.2009, extension 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.”