Lewiston, Maine (May 25, 2016) – New England Fights (NEF) returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine onJune 18, 2016 with “NEF 24: PROMISED LAND.” The fight promotion will put on another full night of mixed-martial-arts (MMA) cagefights and pro boxing bouts. Earlier today, NEF executives announced the headline fight for the boxing portion of the fight card. West Forks, Maine’s own Brandon “The Cannon” Berry (11-1-1) will put the Northeast Junior Welterweight Title on the line in a rematch against Detroit, Michigan’s James “The Motor City Bad Boy” Lester (10-9-1).
Berry and Lester met earlier this spring at “NEF 22” in Lewiston. The six-round bout was ruled a majority draw on the judges’ scorecards. This time around, however, NEF executives had a trick up their sleeves – add a seventh round to all but guarantee a winner.
Berry won the Northeast Junior Welterweight Title in October 2014 in Lewiston against West Virginia Toughman Champion Eric Palmer (4-3-3). He has been the kingpin of the 140-pound division in the Northeast ever since. The draw against Lester halted a three-fight win streak Berry had been on since returning from a shoulder injury last year.
“I think the main difference in a rematch between me and James will be more action,” Berry predicted. “We both know what we bring to the table, we both enjoy pleasing the crowd, and we both want to win. I think those are some key ingredients to a great matchup. I have a lot of respect for James , his boxing ability, and what he brings to the table. I was impressed with his speed, his all around toughness, and his ring generalship. I’m excited to headline another card in Lewiston, and can’t wait for the crowd to enjoy my fight, along with a few other boxing matches that include some talented Maine boxers. I hope that we can draw a big crowd and have a quality night of fights. See you all on the 18th!”
“I’m most definitely looking forward to fighting in Maine again,” said Lester, a former top-ranked national amateur boxer. “The fans there are awesome. I even gained a few fans from my last fight who’s been messaging me on a regular like a young guy by the name of Hunter Moore who messages me every week making sure I’m training hard for the rematch.”
Lester is a product of the world-famous Kronk Gym in Detroit where 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), among others, have prepared for world title bouts under legendary trainer, the late Emanuel Steward. “The only thing that will be different this time is I will be in better condition. That was my only downfall last time. This time I’ll be able to box and stay on my toes for the tough pressure that Brandon brings.”
NEF returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine on June 18, 2016 with “NEF 24: PROMISED LAND.” Tickets for “NEF 24” 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 events 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.