Portland, Maine (February 8, 2018) – New England Fights (NEF) returns to Aura in Portland on April 14, 2018 with the fight promotion’s next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 33: Riptide.” Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of an amateur catchweight bout to the card. Nate Boucher (2-2) will face Walt Shea (2-1) at a fight weight of 130-pounds.
Nate Boucher will be looking to bounce back from back-to-back losses in the NEF cage. The former wrestler from Mountain Valley High School in Rumford, Maine lost very close split decisions at both “NEF 31” and “NEF 32″ recently. The first was an amateur flyweight title fight against Justin Witham (4-4) in Portland. Last weekend, Boucher dropped his second split decision in as many events to Ryan Burgess (3-2) in a number-one-contender’s fight. Prior to those two losses, Boucher had been undefeated in the NEF cage. He currently trains with Central Maine Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (CMBJJ) in Lewiston, Maine.
“I’m coming off of two close back-to-back losses, but I’m still committed to my goal of one day winning the NEF championship belt,” said Boucher. “Rather than sit on the sidelines, I’m getting right back in there in April. Walt Shea is coming off of his title fight loss to Fred Lear last August, so I know he will be motivated to get back in the win column too. Two motivated guys that are hungry to get back to their winning ways are the ingredients for an awesome battle. I can’t wait!”
Like Boucher, Walt Shea was undefeated prior to his last loss in the NEF cage. Shea had defeated Joel Downing (0-1) at “NEF 25” and then Alan Bustamante (0-1) at “NEF 27.” Both victories came by way of unanimous decision. Shea earned himself a shot at the NEF amateur bantamweight strap, but lost to Fred Lear (6-2) by TKO in the second round at “NEF 30” last summer. Shea is a member of First Class MMA in Brunswick, Maine.
“I’m excited to be finally making my return to the cage at ‘NEF 33,'” said Shea. “I was live for my opponent Nate’s last two fights – both razor close decisions that could have gone his way, but didn’t. I’m expecting a technical battle with a chance for some exciting grappling exchanges. I’m hoping to put on a show for the fans.”
NEF returns to Portland, Maine, at Aura on Saturday, April 14, 2018. Tickets are on sale now at www.AuraMaine.com. For more information on the event, please visit www.NewEnglandFights.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.