All posts by FNU47

mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

ZAC RICHARD RETURNS TO NEF CAGE IN LIGHTWEIGHT DIVISION AGAINST BRANDON SEWALL

July 22, 2019 FNU47 Leave a comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Orono, Maine (July 19, 2019) – New England Fights (NEF) will debut in Orono on September 7, 2019 at the Collins Center for the Arts with the promotion’s next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 40: School of Hard Knocks.” Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of an amateur lightweight bout to the card. Zac Richard (3-2-1) will meet Brandon Sewall (0-1) at a fight weight of 155 pounds.

Zac Richard has competed twice previously in the lightweight division, winning both fights in 2018. That same year, Richard was voted “Rookie of the Year” by NEF fans. He has yet to taste victory in 2019 with all three of his fights this year thus far taking place in the 145-pound featherweight division. Richard went to a five-round draw with Fred Lear for the amateur featherweight championship last February in what has been a leading contender for “Fight of the Year” in 2019. On September 7, Richard will look to bounce back from back-to-back losses in his two most recent fights this spring. At “NEF 38,” Richard dropped a five-round unanimous decision to Tom Pagliarulo (3-1) prior to losing via first-round submission to Miguel Cuevas (6-1) in June.

“I’m very excited to get back in there after coming off two losses a month apart,” said Richard. “I’m extremely unhappy with my fight against Tom—I definitely can’t have another off-day on fight day again. I’ve made a lot of changes to make myself happier with my life. The grind is different now.”

“Having watched Zac compete since he was a child during his youth wrestling days, I’ve seen how he navigates challenges,” noted NEF co-owner and matchmaker Matt Peterson. “He doesn’t look for the easy way out—he’s a born competitor and he always seeks out the toughest opponents. Whether it was in wrestling or now in MMA, he comes to fight. I have no doubt that he will be on the warpath on September 7th, looking to get back to his winning ways.”

Zac Richard has drawn a big one for his return to the lightweight division. Brandon Sewall stands 6’1,” towering over most others in the weight class. The resident of Bath, Maine will look for his first win in the NEF cage after losing his debut to Jimmy Jackson (4-3) last month at “NEF 39.”

“It is going to be simple – locate him, get at him, and strike him as hard as I can,” said Sewall when reached for comment.

“Brandon embodies the martial spirit,” stated Peterson. “When I suggested Zac to him as an opponent, he didn’t hesitate at all. He’s eager to prove the validity of his training and disciplined diet in the NEF cage in front of a big audience. Brandon will be the much bigger man in the bout. Whatever the outcome, I know that both guys will be looking to set a furious pace and finish the fight quickly.”

New England Fights’ next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 40: SCHOOL OF HARD KNOCKS,” will take place Saturday, September 7, 2019 at the Collins Center for the Arts at the University of Maine as the promotion debuts in Orono, Maine. Tickets are on sale now at www.collinscenterforthearts.com.

boxing, Murphys Boxing

MURPHYS BOXING RETURNS TO MGM SPRINGFIELD FOR SPECIAL OUTDOOR MATINEE EVENT ON AUGUST 17 FEATURING NABA LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION, CHARLES FOSTER AND UNDEFEATED IRISH HEAVYWEIGHT, NIALL KENNEDY! LIVE ON UFC FIGHT PASS!

July 22, 2019 FNU47 Leave a comment

UNDEFEATED IRISH HEAVYWEIGHT PROSPECT, NIALL KENNEDY TO FACE DEVIN VARGAS IN CO-MAIN EVENT

NEW ENGLAND FAN FAVORITE, SHELLY VINCENT TO MAKE RETURN

TICKETS ON SALE THIS FRIDAY, JULY 19TH ATWWW.MURPHYSBOXING.COM

Springfield, Massachusetts (July 16, 2019):

Murphys Boxing is proud to announce their return to **MGM Springfield** for a special outdoor matinee event on **Saturday, August 17, 2019** that will be broadcast live on **UFC Fight Pass**.

In the main event, **NABA Light Heavyweight Champion**, **Charles Foster** (18-0, 9 KOs) will defend his title for the fourth time in a 10 round bout against Russian power puncher,**Denis Grachev** (19-7-1, 10 KOs).

Foster, who hails from nearby New Haven, Connecticut is ranked **#10** in the world by theWBA and is coming off an impressive stoppage victory over Chicago’s once beaten, **Mike Jiminez** this past March.

Grachev known as ‘Drago’s Son’, is currently on a 3 fight win streak in 2019 and an upset win over Foster would immediately land the Russian back into the world rankings.

“I’m excited to be in the main event at an amazing venue like MGM Springfield.”, explains Foster, the confident southpaw who goes by the nickname, ‘The Truth’.

“I truly feel I am ready to take on anyone in the Top 10. I want to be in position for a shot at a world title next year. On August 17th, I intend to make a statement to the rest of the light heavyweight division by defending my title and stopping Grachev.”

In the 10 round co-main event one of Murphys Boxing’s most popular fighters, Irish heavyweight sensation, **Niall Kennedy** (13-0-1, 8 KOs) will face one of his toughest tests to date, 2014 USA Olympian, **Devin Vargas** (20-5, 8 KOs) in a crossroads battle that will put the winner in line for a major opportunity in the red hot division.

‘Boom Boom’ who also serves as a police officer in his hometown of Gorey, Ireland has amassed a sizable Massachusetts based following having fought virtually all of his professional fights in New England winning the state’s heavyweight title in the process.

“I’m excited to be fighting at MGM Springfield. It’s my first time in that area [of Massachusetts] and what an event to be on, getting to share the bill with the talented Charles Foster.”, says the humble heavyweight.

“We are hoping it [the fight] will be for a world ranking and my opponent, I believe, is a former Olympian who has mixed with the top table and who I am sure will bring the best out of me. Training is going exceptionally well. I’m going to put every ounce of blood and sweat into making my little boy, MJ and my wife proud. I am honored and blessed to have Ken and Packie guiding my career and at 35, this is the year where I want to get myself into the top 20 and into massive fights and for that to happen I need to perform on August 17th.”

The undercard will feature several local fighters including:

**Shelly Vincent** (25-2, 1 KO), the pride of Providence, and a former world title challenger, will make her return in an 8 round featherweight bout against an opponent to be named.

**Anthony Velazquez** (7-0, 7 KOs), one of the most popular fighters in Springfield, will appear in a 6 round welterweight bout against an opponent to be named.

**Derrick Whitley Jr.** (5-1-1), who comes from Springfield’s famed fighting Whitley family, will face an opponent to be named in a 6 round welterweight bout.

**Ray Jay Bermudez** (7-0, 5 KOs) who hails from nearby Albany, New York, will appear in a 6 round super lightweight bout.

Two more additional fights will be announced shortly.

“Our first fight at MGM Springfield in May, which was also our UFC Fight Pass debut, was an amazing night and a total success.”, explains **Ken Casey**, founder of Murphys Boxing.

“For our return to MGM Springfield we wanted to take it to another level. Having a top 10 world ranked fighter like Charles Foster make a title defense in his backyard, adding Niall Kennedy in a high stakes heavyweight showdown and then making it an outdoor matinee show, we think accomplishes that goal. We can’t wait to be back at MGM Springfield on August 17th.”

Murphys Boxing presents Foster vs. Grachev on Saturday, May 17th at MGM Springfield in Springfield, Massachusetts (1 MGM Way, Springfield, MA. 01103). Doors open at 1pm and the first fight starts at 2pm. Tickets are priced at $45, $75, $100 and $125 go on sale this Friday, July 19th at: www.murphysboxing.com and www.mgmspringfield/
entertainment. The entire event will stream live on UFC Fight Pass at www.ufc.tv.

mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

NEF ANNOUNCES THE FIRST PRO FIGHT SIGNED FOR DEBUT CARD IN ORONO

July 12, 2019 FNU47 Leave a comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Orono, Maine (July 11, 2019) – New England Fights (NEF) will debut in Orono on September 7, 2019 at the Collins Center for the Arts with the promotion’s next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 40: School of Hard Knocks.” Earlier today, NEF announced the first professional fight signed for the card. “The Jamaican Shamrock” Ras “Rasquatch” Hylton (4-2) will take on Chris Sarro (0-0) in a cruiserweight bout.

Ras Hylton is coming off a big win last April over Charles Penn (0-1) in Portland, Maine. The doctor stopped that fight in the first round when a cut over Penn’s eye could not be closed. Hylton opened the gash with a straight right hand that left blood pouring down to the mat.

Hylton is a mainstay of the NEF heavyweight and cruiserweight divisions. The 6’6″ athlete holds a second-degree black belt in Shotokan karate. He currently trains with Dragon Fire Martial Arts in Portland and First Class MMA in Brunswick, Maine.

“I am quite fortunate to be at the point in my career when I’m called upon to introduce new professionals to our work experience,” said Hylton. “Boxers like my opponent offer a great risk with their familiarity in the pocket and at distance, so of course we’ll both be more than happy to trade our best shots for the win! I love the arts, but it’s in the fighting aspects of martial arts that competitors like us truly live and find purpose. So we train like our lives depend on it, because to us, that’s how it is. Welcome to the school of hard knocks, Chris. MMA 101 is now in session.”

As noted by Hylton, his opponent Chris Sarro may be a newcomer to the MMA cage, but he is no stranger to the world of combat sports. Sarro made a name for himself as an amateur boxer with a record of 7-1. He captured the 2019 Northern New England Golden Gloves championship in the superheavyweight division. A native of Ellsworth, Maine, Sarro currently represents Acadia Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

“I’m just excited to fight close to home,” said Sarro. “Orono feels like my backyard. Come September 7th, I’m going to show the world there’s a new heavyweight in town. This is my time.”

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.