Tag Archives: New England Fights

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

LIGHTWEIGHT FIGHT AT NEF 22 WILL FEATURE TWO RETURNING ATHLETES

Leave a comment

Lewiston, Maine (March 14, 2016) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, will hold its next event, “NEF 22: ALL ROADS LEAD HERE” on Saturday, April 23, 2016 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  The fight card will feature a mix of mixed-martial-arts (MMA) and professional boxing bouts.  Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of an amateur lightweight bout to the MMA portion of the “NEF 22” fight card.  Jeremy Tyler (4-3) will take on Corey Trial (1-2) at a fight weight of 150-pounds.

 

On April 23rd, it will be 19-months since Jeremy Tyler’s last appearance in the NEF MMA cage.  In September of 2014, Tyler, a member of Team Irish in Brewer, Maine, lost to Matt Denning (2-1) via second-round submission.  It was a fitting finish as all of Tyler’s seven previous bouts, whether wins or losses, have ended with a submission.  Tyler’s last victory came in February of 2014 with a second-round arm triangle choke submission of Corey Hinkley (2-4).  At “NEF 22,” Tyler will look to pick up his first win in over two years.

 

“I’m happy to have the opportunity to get back into the NEF cage,” said Tyler.  “I have put in a lot of time into improving my skill set.  I feel amazing going into this fight with Cory Trial.  On April 23rd, everyone is going to see that I’m back.”

 

Like Tyler, Cory Trial’s most recent win in the NEF cage was over Corey Hinkley.  It was a stunning first-round knockout (KO) that was a finalist in the voting for NEF’s “KO of the Year” in 2015.  It was also the quickest victory ever in the NEF cage, clocking in at a mere seven-seconds.  Trial has not competed since a September 2015 loss to Rafael Velado (3-0) as he has been nursing several injuries.  Training out of Ruthless MMA & Boxing of Benton, Maine, Trial predicts another KO finish at “NEF 22.”

 

“First, I want to thank NEF for giving me this opportunity and thank Jeremy for taking the fight,” said Trial.  “I’ve been dealing with a couple injuries the last few months and it’s given me time to reflect and get my game right and in this fight everybody will see that I’m back!  I was dealing with a couple of injuries leading up to my last fight, but I showed up ’cause I love to fight.  I’m healthy now, training with the best team around and you’ll see the best Cory you’ve seen.  This fight won’t go to the judges – I’ll be coming for the knockout!  This is a fight you won’t want to miss!”

 

New England Fights’ next event, “NEF 22: ALL ROADS LEAD HERE,” takes place Saturday, April 23, 2016 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  Tickets for “NEF 22” 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 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.”

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

RECENTLY VACATED FEATHERWEIGHT TITLE TO BE FILLED AT NEF 22

Leave a comment

Lewiston, Maine (March 11, 2016) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, will hold its next event, “NEF 22: ALL ROADS LEAD HERE” on Saturday, April 23, 2016 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  The fight card will feature a mix of mixed-martial-arts (MMA) and professional boxing bouts.  Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of an amateur featherweight title bout to the MMA portion of the “NEF 22” fight card.  Caleb Hall (6-3) will take on Erik Nelson (2-2) for the vacant NEF MMA Amateur Featherweight Title.  The championship was vacated earlier this week when previous champion Aaron Lacey (6-1) announced that he would enter the professional ranks at “NEF 22.”

 

Caleb Hall is a member of the Choi Institute of Portland, Maine.  He was a two-time Maine state champion wrestling for Dirigo High School in Dixfield.  Hall later wrestled for both Plymouth State University (PSU) in New Hampshire and the University of Southern Maine (USM).  He began competing in MMA in September 2012, making his debut at “NEF IV.”   Hall last appeared in the NEF cage this past fall, scoring an impressive first-round submission victory over Matt Tamayo (0-1).  He feels that his wrestling experience will carry him to the featherweight title on April 23rd against Nelson.

 

“I’m very excited to fight for the belt I have worked for,” said Hall.  “My wrestling and constant pressure will be a big problem for Nelson.  The scrambles and pressure will fold him and I’ll get the finish.”

 

Erik Nelson is a member of Central Maine Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (CMBJJ) located in Lewiston, Maine where he is a jiu-jitsu instructor.  In December, he was awarded his brown belt by head coach Travis Wells.  A few weeks later, Nelson would go on to defeat Julio Martinez (0-2) at “NEF 21.”  Nelson believes his jiu-jitsu will be the deciding factor when he meets Caleb Hall for the amateur featherweight title on April 23rd.

 

“I am very excited for the opportunity to fight for a title in my hometown,” said Nelson.  “Caleb is a talented wrestler, but I feel my jiu-jitsu is far superior.  No matter where the fight goes, I see my hand being raised at the end.”

 

New England Fights’ next event, “NEF 22: ALL ROADS LEAD HERE,” takes place Saturday, April 23, 2016 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  Tickets for “NEF 22” 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 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.”

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

HEAVYWEIGHT CLASH ADDED TO NEF 22 FIGHT CARD

Leave a comment

Lewiston, Maine (March 10, 2016) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, will hold its next event, “NEF 22: ALL ROADS LEAD HERE” on Saturday, April 23, 2016 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  The fight card will feature a mix of mixed-martial-arts (MMA) and professional boxing bouts.  Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of an amateur heavyweight bout to the MMA portion of the “NEF 22” fight card.  Nick Gulliver (2-0) will meet Dave Smith (2-1) at a fight weight of 265-pounds.

 

Nick Gulliver is a product of John Raio’s First Class MMA gym of Brunswick, Maine, as well as the Foundry – a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) academy located in Farmington, Maine.  He made his amateur debut last June at “NEF XVIII,” submitting Sonny Spratt (0-2) in the first round.  Gulliver followed up that victory with a technical knockout (TKO) win over Jason Field (0-2) this past November a mere 12-seconds into the first round.  He hopes another win on April 23rd will put him in line for a shot at the NEF MMA Amateur Heavyweight Title currently held by Billy Leahy (3-1).

 

“I’m looking forward to fighting again for NEF on April 23rd, and I’m thankful for the opportunity that Matt Peterson and Nick Disalvo give me to fight for their amazing organization,” said Gulliver.  “I’ll be fighting who I think is now the number one heavyweight fighter fighting for NEF, Dave Smith.  This kid is a great fighter and good athlete.  I’m looking forward to a great fight.  I fight for two amazing schools and organizations, the Foundry and First Class MMA.  This fight will be the first time I won’t be fighting in front of my father who is sick.  It’s a lot for him to go to these events being so sick and on oxygen all the time.  But my father stated he would make it to one last fight if I get a title shot.  I think fighting Dave Smith and winning would put me in a good spot to fight for a title.  I’m looking to get that fight in front of my father who pushes me to be the man I am today.  So, for three rounds on April 23rd, I’ll be pushing harder than I have in the past to get that opportunity.  I’m always looking to impress the crowd.  I think fighting someone like Smith will keep the crowd on their feet.”

 

Dave Smith is a member of Berserkers MMA based out of Rumford, Maine.  Smith has an extensive wrestling background, having gone 147-17 while competing for Mountain Valley High School (MVHS) and winning two state titles in the process.  He also wrestled for Plymouth State University (PSU) in New Hampshire.  Like Gulliver, Smith finished his first two opponents in the opening round.  He is looking to bounce back from a loss to Brendan Battles (2-0) at “NEF 21” last month.

 

“I’m glad to be on another NEF card,” exclaimed Smith.  “I am also very excited to be fighting Nick Gully.  Nick has had a couple impressive wins and I think this will be a good fight!  So get ready because it’s going to be a hell of a show.”

 

New England Fights’ next event, “NEF 22: ALL ROADS LEAD HERE,” takes place Saturday, April 23, 2016 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  Tickets for “NEF 22” 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 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

AMATEUR MMA CHAMPION VACATES TITLE TO MAKE PROFESSIONAL DEBUT AT NEF 22

Leave a comment

Lewiston, Maine (March 9, 2016) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, will hold its next event, “NEF 22: ALL ROADS LEAD HERE” on Saturday, April 23, 2016 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  The fight card will feature a mix of mixed-martial-arts (MMA) and professional boxing bouts.  Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of a professional featherweight contest to the MMA portion of the “NEF 22” fight card.  Aaron “Relentless” Lacey (0-0) will make his professional debut against tough veteran “Shatterproof 2.0” Derek Shorey(3-5) at a fight weight of 145-pounds.

 

Aaron Lacey leaves behind a legacy of victory in the amateur ranks.  He put together an impressive record of 6-1 since his debut in the fall of 2012.  Lacey capped off his amateur stint by winning the inaugural NEF MMA Amateur Featherweight Championship last November, handing Caleb Horner (4-1) the first loss of his career in the process.  Lacey is currently the number-one ranked amateur featherweight in the northeast.  He is a member of Young’s MMA in Bangor, Maine, and on April 23rd Lacey will make his professional debut alongside training partner, and NEF MMA Amateur Lightweight Champion, Josh Harvey (0-0).  Lacey will vacate the amateur featherweight title to enter the professional division.  NEF executives are expected to make an announcement on the status of that championship in the very near future.

 

“I am super excited to finally be making my pro debut come April,” said Lacey.  “This is a goal I have had for a long time and something I have always been working towards.  Derek Shorey is a very tough challenge as a debut fight.  He has a tremendous skill set and a ton of experience.  As far as vacating my belt, I had always viewed capturing the title as the capstone to my amateur career. In the moment, it was an incredible feeling and it is something I will always be proud of.  Part of what has made me successful is that I always keep looking forward for my next big challenge and my coaches along with myself believe that those challenges are within the professional ranks.”

 

After getting off to a 3-2 start in his professional career, Derek Shorey is looking to bounce back from a three-fight skid.  Last September, Shorey scored a career-defining, highlight-reel knockout of Tollison Lewis (0-5), but would go on to taste defeat in his next three matchups.  A 1998 Class-C Maine state wrestling champion for Foxcroft Academy, Shorey is the founder and head coach of the Shatterproof Combat Club based out of Dexter, Maine.  He served his country in the United States Navy for four years of active duty and did a tour of Iraq with SEABEE Battalion NMCB 27.  Shorey is hoping to find his rhythm in the cage against Lacey at “NEF 22.”

 

“Aaron is an incredibly tough, resilient fighter,” noted Shorey.  “He keeps coming at you, solid technique.  Nothing but respect for him and his skills.  That being said, I’ve been growing rapidly under new instruction, but have been unable to find my rhythm in the cage.  I feel that Aaron will bring his steady, solid pace and be met by my speed and power.  I’m excited to welcome him into the professional ranks.”

 

New England Fights’ next event, “NEF 22: ALL ROADS LEAD HERE,” takes place Saturday, April 23, 2016 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  Tickets for “NEF 22” 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 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

WOMEN’S MMA FIGHT CONFIRMED FOR NEF 22 IN LEWISTON

Leave a comment

Lewiston, Maine (March 8, 2016) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, will hold its next event, “NEF 22: ALL ROADS LEAD HERE” on Saturday, April 23, 2016 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  The fight card will feature a mix of mixed-martial-arts (MMA) and professional boxing bouts.  Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of an amateur women’s featherweight contest to the MMA portion of the “NEF 22” fight card.  “Hollywood” Hannah Sparrell (1-0) will battle Angela Young (0-1) at a fight weight of 140-pounds.

 

Hannah Sparrell was introduced to the sport when she began taking her daughter to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) classes.  Sparrell soon found herself training at John Raio’s First Class MMA in Brunswick, Maine.  She made her in-cage debut last fall against Young’s teammate Kira Innocenti (0-1) at “NEF XIX” in Lewiston.  Sparrell was victorious that evening, scoring a unanimous decision from the judges after an exhausting three-round fight.  She looks forward to representing First Class MMA for a second time at “NEF 22.”

 

“I’m excited to be entering the NEF cage again, on April 23rd, against Angela Young,” said Sparrell.  “Angela, coming from the school recently named New England’s ‘team of the year,’ has proven to be a heavy hitter, as we saw in her blood-shedding battle at ‘NEF XIX.’  That being said, First Class has been putting its name on the map, displaying our skilled training, coaches and leadership, and I couldn’t be more thrilled about going head-to-head against Young’s MMA once again.  I learned a lot from the experience from my last fight and have used it as a catalyst in my focused training this winter.  I will be entering the NEFXXII cage confidently and ready for a good solid fight.”

 

Angela Young is the wife of Young’s MMA founder and head coach Chris Young.  Like Sparrell, Young made her debut in the NEF cage last fall at “NEF XIX.”  In a wild, “fight of the night” performance, Young battled back and forth with Rachel Reinheimer (2-0) of Team Sityodtong.  Reinheimer would win the decision on the judges’ scorecards, but Young would win the respect of the entire New England MMA community with her valiant effort.  On April 23rd, Young vows to chalk up the first win on her record.

 

“I am beyond ecstatic for the opportunity to fight for NEF again,” stated Young.  “Especially against an opponent as respectful and professional as Hannah.  I’ve put the work in, I’ve improved my game and I’m aiming for another ‘fight of the night.’  This time, however, my hand will be raised.”

 

New England Fights’ next event, “NEF 22: ALL ROADS LEAD HERE,” takes place Saturday, April 23, 2016 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  Tickets for “NEF 22” 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 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 mixed martial arts, Amateur MMA, mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

FIGHTERS HOPE TO SETTLE THEIR DIFFERENCES IN THE CAGE AT NEF 22

Leave a comment

Lewiston, Maine (March 4, 2016) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, will hold its next event, “NEF 22: ALL ROADS LEAD HERE” on Saturday, April 23, 2016 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  The fight card will feature a mix of mixed-martial-arts (MMA) and professional boxing bouts.  Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of a professional lightweight contest to the MMA portion of the “NEF 22” fight card.  Matt “Ken Doll” Denning (2-1) will meet Josh “Hook On” Harvey (0-0) at a fight weight of 150-pounds.

 

Lewiston’s Matt Denning is coming off the first loss of his professional career this past November against Jon Lemke (5-4).  Prior to that defeat, Denning was riding a four-fight win streak, all four of those wins coming by way of submission.  He is a member of Central Maine Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (CMBJJ).  Denning acknowledges personal issues have existed in the past between he and Harvey, culminating in a cageside confrontation between the two athletes at the close of “NEF XV” in the fall of 2014.

 

“I’m honored to have been asked specifically for this fight,” said Denning.  “Josh is the 155 ammy champ and is an amazing fighter.  I’m excited to watch him continue his career as a pro and move up to the top of the professional rankings.  We had some personal issues between the two of us because of a poor decision I made, and I hope with us fighting it will clear the air and I’ll be able to cross train with him and Young’s MMA.  We gotta give the fans what they want and this is what they wanted.  I look forward to seeing everyone April 23rd.”

 

The bout will indeed be the professional debut for Harvey after an amateur career in which he went 5-1.  He is the reigning NEF MMA Amateur Lightweight Champion, a title which he will now vacate as a professional.  Harvey capped off his amateur stint with a highlight reel knockout over Ryan Dibartolomeo (4-4), a victory that solidified his position as the northeast region’s top-ranked amateur lightweight.  Harvey is a member of Young’s MMA in Bangor, Maine.  He recently signed a long-term NEF developmental deal.

 

“I’m feeling blessed to be a signed professional cage fighter,” said Harvey.  “I’m one step closer to my goal and April 23rd I’ll take another.  I’ve wanted a chance to fight ‘Ken Doll’ ever since I met him – he is just one of those guys.  I’m thankful for the opportunity.”

 

“One thing is very clear in this matchup – Josh and Matt don’t like each other,” stated NEF matchmaker and co-owner Matt Peterson.  “There is some deep, pent-up frustration that has been percolating between these two for a long time – and on April 23rd, the cork comes out.  It’s going to be spectacular.”

 

New England Fights’ next event, “NEF 22: ALL ROADS LEAD HERE,” takes place Saturday, April 23, 2016 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  Tickets for “NEF 22” 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 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, boxing, mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

SECOND PRO BOXING BOUT ANNOUNCED FOR NEF 22

Leave a comment

Lewiston, Maine (February 25, 2016) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, will hold its next event, “NEF 22: ALL ROADS LEAD HERE” on Saturday, April 23, 2016at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  The fight card will feature a mix of mixed-martial-arts (MMA) and professional boxing bouts.  Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of a light-heavyweight contest to the boxing portion of the “NEF 22” fight card.  Crowsneck Boutin (0-0-1) is scheduled to face Brandon Montella (3-0, 2 KOs) in a four-round bout.

 

Crowsneck Boutin, a regular on NEF MMA cards since 2012, made his professional boxing debut earlier this month on the “NEF 21” event in Lewiston.  He fought Joel Bishop (0-0-2) to a draw in an exciting slugfest that had the Colisée crowd on the edge of its collective seat.  Boutin, considered the underdog in that bout, expertly worked his jab to control the first two rounds of the fight.  Like the Bishop match, Boutin is preparing for another war with Montella on April 23.

 

“Brandon is a very tough opponent,” said Boutin.  “He’s going to present me with many obstacles. My training is grueling and I’ll be prepared for a war.”

 

Brandon Montella is a 1998 graduate of Carrabec High School in North Anson, Maine.  Following graduation, Montella joined the United States Marine Corps (USMC) and served until 2003 with an honorable discharge.  Montella worked in construction in Virginia until 2011 when he moved with his wife to the Boston, Massachusetts area.  He owns and operates The Way, LLC boxing gym in Woburn, Massachusetts.

 

“Coming back home from to Maine after all these years to fight in a place of such history is an amazing feeling,” said Montella.  “It will bring my friends and family from the past and the present together under one roof for an awesome event.”

 

Montella had a very successful amateur boxing career with a final record of 14-7.  In 2011, he won the prestigious Rocky Marciano Tournament.  Montella went on to win the New England Golden Gloves the following year.  He turned pro in 2015 and has won his first three bouts with two finishes.

 

“As far as my opponent Crowsneck Boutin, I have seen his fights and read his back story,” Montella continued.  “What I see is a man like myself – someone who is determined to change his life and take matters into his own hands instead of sitting around like too many men do today. When two men as determined as we are get in the ring in front of a large crowd, magic happens. We grow larger than life and the fans get one hell of a treat.”

 

New England Fights’ next event, “NEF 22: ALL ROADS LEAD HERE,” takes place Saturday, April 23, 2016 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  Tickets for “NEF 22” 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 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

BOXING HEADLINER ANNOUNCED FOR NEF 22

Leave a comment

NEF22_FB_Timeline01

Lewiston, Maine (February 22, 2016) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, will hold its next event, “NEF 22: ALL ROADS LEAD HERE” on Saturday, April 22, 2016at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  The fight card will feature a mix of mixed-martial-arts (MMA) and professional boxing bouts.  Earlier today, NEF announced the main event of the boxing portion of the “NEF 22” fight card.  Northeast Junior Welterweight Champion Brandon “The Cannon” Berry (11-1, 7 KOs) will take on James Lester (10-9, 4 KOs) in a non-title, six-round bout at 140-pounds.

 

Berry, the pride of small-town West Forks, Maine, has shined since returning from a shoulder injury last year.  He has won his last three in a row, including a technical knockout (TKO) stoppage of Tollison Lewis (2-1, 1 KO) earlier this month in Lewiston.  The upcoming fight with Lester will see Berry return to his native 140-pound junior welterweight division for the first time since his injury.  All three of his recent wins have come in the heavier welterweight and super welterweight divisions.

 

“April 23rd will be a big turning point in my boxing career,” said Berry when reached for comment.  “This will be my fourth time headlining NEF’s boxing portion of the event, and I want to thank Nick (DiSalvo, NEF promoter), Matt (Peterson, NEF matchmaker) and Pete (Czymbor, NEF Director of Boxing Operations) for the opportunity.  I asked for a challenge and to make it back down to my regular fight weight of 140-pounds, and that’s what I’m getting with Detroit’s James Lester.  I think the crowd will be very happy and impressed with the talent level James brings. This is a big test for me and I hope that with nine weeks to prepare it’s a test that I can pass.  He brings so much to the table that can give me problems in the ring, so me showing up anything less than 100% will be unacceptable.

 

“I know that Tommy (Duquette), Ed (LaVache), Luke (Yetten) and the rest of Boston Boxing will push me to the limit and bring me into the ring prepared.  James Lester has been around and fought some very good fighters.  He had an amazing amateur career, and has spent years training at one of the most legendary boxing facility’s in the world, the Kronk Gym.  Who doesn’t want to see this fight?  See you all April 23rd, and as always thank you all so much for the amazing support.  The tickets sales are unreal.”

 

As Berry noted, James Lester is a product of the world-famous Kronk Gym of Detroit, Michigan.  It was there he honed his craft alongside world champions like 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), to name a few, under legendary trainer Emanuel Steward.  As an amateur, Lester was ranked nationally at number-two.  He competed against the likes of future Olympian Andre Dirrell (24-2, 16 KOs) and future WBC Super Middleweight Champion Anthony Dirrell (28-1-1, 22 KOs) while in the amateur ranks.   The bout with Berry will mark the second time Lester has ventured to New England in his professional career.  He competed on a card in Worcester, Massachusetts in 2011.  Lester looks forward to making his return to the region.

 

“Fighting Brandon will be exciting, and I’m ready for anything he has to bring,” said Lester.  “Fighting in New England was awesome a few years ago against Ryan Kielczewski (24-1, 7 KOs).  I met some real good people there and can’t wait to come put on a show for them again.”

 

New England Fights’ next event, “NEF 22: ALL ROADS LEAD HERE,” takes place Saturday, April 23, 2016 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  Tickets for “NEF 22” 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 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

TRASH TALK BEGINS AROUND FEATHERWEIGHT BOUT AT NEF 22

Leave a comment

Lewiston, Maine (February 12, 2016) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, will hold its next event, “NEF 22: ALL ROADS LEAD HERE” on Saturday, April 22, 2016at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  The fight card will feature a mix of mixed-martial-arts (MMA) and professional boxing bouts.  Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of a featherweight contest to the amateur portion of the “NEF 22” fight card.  Bantamweight Champion Johnny Crafts (4-0) will move up in weight to face Taylor Costantino (2-1) at 145-pounds.

 

Crafts was successful last Saturday in his attempt to capture the inaugural NEF MMA Amateur Bantamweight Title.  He took out Henry Clark (3-2) in the third round of their bout in Lewiston.  Crafts is a decorated Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) brown belt out of Team New England United (NEU).  He also cross-trains with Central Maine Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (CMBJJ) in Lewiston.

 

“I’m excited to step up to 145 to fight Taylor,” said Crafts of the upcoming matchup with Costantino.  “I will be very strong at that weight seeing as I cut pretty extensively to make 135.  It will allow me to focus on different areas this camp instead of putting a lot of my energy into cutting weight.”

 

Costantino is himself coming off a big win last Saturday at “NEF 21.”  It took him a mere 25-seconds to down Frank Johanson (0-1), a training partner of Crafts at CMBJJ, in the first round.  Costantino is clear that he is coming to fight on April 23, and he does not plan on engaging in a  grappling contest with Crafts.

 

“Respect to him for coming up in weight,” said Costantino of Crafts.  “He’s a glorified pajama warrior that has never been punched in the face with any type of authority. He will clinch quickly and look for the takedown. He’ll realize real quick that he has never fought or trained with anybody like me.”

 

Crafts and Costantino are not strangers to one another.  Several years ago, the two met in a jiu-jitsu tournament with Crafts coming out on top.

 

“Taylor and I have competed before in a sport jiu-jitsu tournament,” recalled Crafts.  “Taylor says I am a glorified pajama warrior who has never been punched in the face, but if I recall correctly, I submitted him without my ‘pajamas’ no-gi in that tournament pretty quickly. I train with a lot of very talented and tough fighters daily who punch me in the face very hard. People say the same thing about me not getting punched – well, I have had four fights and they just haven’t had the chance to. Anyone who has trained with high-level fighters will tell you that gi jiu-jitsu only makes you more of a technical fighter.  If he doesn’t believe that, that is fine – he will feel it on April 23rd.”

 

“Johnny did submit me when I first moved to Maine,” Costantino admitted.  “Legit submission, and his pure grappling is definitely high level.  My grappling is MMA based, not slow jitsu.  It’s grimy, grueling and punishing. Pure grappling, I would worry about his game.  But it’s a fight, sport jiu-jitsu means next to nothing to me.

 

“I wish I could say people will get to see my whole game, but I can’t guarantee that. Johnny will feel my power and look to go to his comfort zone. I will break him, you will see quit in his eyes.”

 

“After Taylor won in impressive fashion at NEF 21, he immediately screamed at me while still inside the cage that he wanted a black belt for his next challenge,” said NEF co-owner and matchmaker Matt Peterson.  “Well, he’s getting a brown belt in Johnny Crafts who, by all accounts, is due to receive his black belt any day, is a perfect 4-0 in the cage and is the current NEF amateur bantamweight champion. This fight is dripping with drama and will define a future top contender for the featherweight title in NEF’s stacked 145-pound division.”

 

New England Fights’ next event, “NEF 22: ALL ROADS LEAD HERE,” takes place Saturday, April 23, 2016 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  Tickets for “NEF 22” 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 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.”

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

BOYINGTON RETAINS, THREE NEW CHAMPIONS CROWNED AT NEF 21

Leave a comment

Lewiston, Maine (February 7, 2016) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, held its most recent event, “NEF 21: THE IMMORTALS” Saturday night at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  The Colisée was a packed house for the promotion’s second hybrid mixed-martial-arts (MMA) and professional boxing event.  Fight fans were treated to a marathon evening of nonstop action featuring 26 bouts in total.

 

In the MMA main event of the evening, in what can only be described as a “thriller,” Bruce “Pretty Boy” Boyington (13-8) defeated Jon Lemke (5-4) via split decision to retain the NEF MMA Professional Lightweight Title.  Boyington and Lemke battled back-and-forth for five brutal rounds in what many in attendance were calling one of the best fights in NEF history.

 

In the boxing headliner, Northeast Junior Welterweight Champion Brandon “The Cannon” Berry (11-1) handed Tollison Lewis the first loss of his professional boxing career (2-1) with a second-round stoppage via technical knockout (TKO).

 

On the amateur MMA portion of the card, three inaugural champions were crowned.  Ryan Glover (3-1) took home the light heavyweight title after defeating Mike Williams (1-1), while Johnny Crafts (4-0) captured the bantamweight strap and Ricky Dexter (5-2) won the welterweight championship.

 

NEF also announced that its next event would take place on April 23, 2016, once again at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston.

 

The results from Lewiston, Maine:

 

PROFESSIONAL BOXING

 

Brandon Berry def. Tollison Lewis via TKO, round 2

Evincii Dixon def. Antonio Chaves Fernandez via unanimous decision

Crowsneck Boutin fought Joel Bishop to a unanimous draw

 

PROFESSIONAL MMA

 

Bruce Boyington def. Jon Lemke via split decision (Boyington retains lightweight title)

Josh Lange def. Derek Shorey via rear-naked choke, round 1

Zach Elkins def. Mike Hansen via guillotine, round 1

CJ Ewer def. Zenon Herrera via ankle lock submission, round 1

Alex Henry def. Andrew Tripp via KO, round 1

Brandon Warne def. Norman Fox via guillotine, round 1

 

AMATEUR MMA

 

Ryan Glover def. Mike Williams via armbar, round 2 (Glover wins light heavyweight title)

Ricky Dexter def. Caleb Farrington via TKO, round 1 (Dexter wins welterweight title)

Johnny Crafts def. Henry Clark via TKO, round 3 (Crafts wins bantamweight title)

Rafael Velado def. Mike Peitersen via split decision

Erin Lamonte def. Randi Beth Boyington via rear-naked choke, round 1

Erik Nelson def. Julio Martinez via unanimous decision

Matt Glover def. Gravin Guillen via TKO, round 1

Taylor Costantino def. Frank Johanson via TKO, round 1

Brendan Battles def. Dave Smith via TKO, round 1

Ras Hylton def. Zak Bergeron via TKO, round 1

Adam Nielsen def. Ruben Redman via TKO, round 1

Dustin Shorey def. Juan Meneses via TKO, round 1

Tom Burgess def. Caleb Swoveland via unanimous decision

Chad Murillo def. Tony Agust via split decision

Jake Denham def. Justin Witham via verbal submission, round 2

Richmond Pierce Wiegman def. Clifford Redman via TKO, round 2

Caleb Costello def. David Thompson via KO, round 1

 

 

New England Fights’ next event, “NEF 22: ALL ROADS LEAD HERE,” takes place Saturday, April 23, 2016 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  Tickets for “NEF 22” 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 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.”