Tag Archives: Aaron Lacey

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

NEW CHAMPIONS CROWNED AT NEF 22 IN LEWISTON

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Lewiston, Maine (April 23, 2016) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, held its most recent event, “NEF 22: ALL ROADS LEAD HERE,” Saturday night at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  More than 3,000 fight fans were on hand for the event, making it one of the largest crowds ever to witness an NEF event.

 

On the boxing portion of the card, Brandon “The Cannon” Berry  (11-1-1) fought to a majority draw in a six-round contest with James Lester (10-9-1).  Many of Berry’s supporters in attendance felt that he won the fight, but two of the judges had it even on the scorecards.

 

The headliner of the amateur MMA card saw Caleb Hall (7-3) captured the vacant amateur featherweight title with a second-round submission of Erik Nelson (2-3).  On the professional side of the MMA card, Devin Powell (6-1) took home the lightweight championship by defeating Jesse Erickson (6-5) in the first round via technical knockout.

 

The full results from Lewiston, Maine:

 

PROFESSIONAL BOXING

 

Brandon Berry fought James Lester to a majority draw

 

PROFESSIONAL MMA

 

Devin Powell def. Jesse Erickson via TKO, round 1 (Powell wins lightweight title)

Mike Hansen def. Jesse Baughman via arm triangle, round 1

Josh Harvey def. Matt Denning via triangle choke, round 1

Tollison Lewis def. Zenon Herrera via armbar, round 1

Aaron Lacey def. Derek Shorey via D’Arce Choke, round 1

 

AMATEUR MMA

 

Glenn Kasabian def. Matt Marshall via TKO, round 1

Tom Burgess def. Alex Payson via KO, round 2

Ryan Daley def. Jake Denham via TKO, round 2

Bryce Bamford def. Joe Krech via TKO, round 1

Caleb Hall def. Erik Nelson via D’arce Choke, round 2 (Hall wins featherweight title)

Nick Gulliver def. Dave Smith via TKO, round 1

Cory Trial def. Angelo Rizzitello via split decision

Ras Hylton def. Matt Glover via KO, round 2

Angela Young def. Hannah Sparrell via unanimous decision

 

New England Fights’ next event, “NEF 23: CAGE THE CAPE,” takes place Saturday, May 14, 2016 at the Hyannis Youth and Community Center in Hyannis, Massachusetts.  Tickets are on sale now atwww.NewEnglandFights.com.

 

NEF returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine on June 18, 2016 with “NEF 24: THE 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.

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

ALL ROADS LEAD TO MONUMENTAL FIGHT CARD IN LEWISTON

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Lewiston, Maine (March 31, 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 full fight card for the event.  The fight card is scheduled to feature three professional boxing matches, six professional MMA bouts, and twelve exciting amateur MMA contests.

 

On the professional boxing side of the card, Northeast Junior Welterweight Champion, and the pride of West Forks, Maine, Brandon “The Cannon” Berry(11-1, 7 KOs) returns to the ring for a six-rounder with Detroit, Michigan’s James Lester (10-9, 4 KOs).  Berry, one of the most popular boxers to ever come out of Maine, will look for his fourth consecutive victory since returning from a shoulder injury last year.

 

That will prove easier said than done with Lester standing in the opposite corner.  Lester is a product of the world-famous Kronk Gym in Detroit where 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) have trained under the late Emmanuel Steward.  Lester was ranked number-two nationally as an amateur.  He presents a dangerous threat to Berry, one that could very well play the role of “spoiler” to “The Cannon” and his legion of fans.

 

After a bloody war of a professional boxing debut at “NEF 21” last month, NEF MMA regular Crowsneck Boutin (0-0-1) will once again step into the boxing ring, this time facing Brandon Montella (3-0, 2 KOs).  Montella, now a resident of Massachusetts, grew up in Maine and served in the United States Marine Corps.

 

Headlining the professional MMA portion of the fight card will be Jesse “The Viking” Erickson (6-4) and Devin Powell (5-1) in a lightweight contest.  Both fighters are currently on a three-fight win streak.

 

“I try to focus on what is right in front of me,” said Erickson during a recent interview on The MMA Report Podcast.  “I never looked past my opponents but I like to think what the reward is going to be when I beat this guy.”

 

Neither athlete can afford to overlook the other, but a win for either could very well mean a call from one of the national promotions.  Erickson has been there before with Bellator.  Powell is an all-around talent with some slick finishes to his credit.

 

“This is the type of MMA fight we absolutely love,” said NEF co-owner and promoter Nick DiSalvo.  “You have two guys who match up so well.  They’ve both been racking up the wins.  They’ve faced some of the same opponents.  They’re both solid on the mat and on their feet.  I expect this to be yet another crazy, wild NEF MMA main event!”

 

“Crazy” and “wild” do not even begin to describe the grudge that has developed between Josh “Hook On” Harvey (0-0) and Matt “Ken Doll” Denning (2-1).  The bitter rivals will meet at a fight weight of 150-pounds at “NEF 22” in an MMA bout.  The bout will be Harvey’s professional debut after a stellar 5-1 amateur career that saw him capture the NEF MMA Amateur Lightweight Title, as well as the northeast regions number-one ranking.  The well-publicized personal issues between Harvey and Denning will be settled in the cage on April 23rd.

 

The professional portion of the MMA card will also feature the pro debut of Harvey’s Young’s MMA teammate Aaron “Relentless” Lacey (0-0) as he takes on veteran “Shatterproof 2.0” Derek Shorey (3-5) in a featherweight bout.  Lacey vacated the NEF MMA Amateur Featherweight Title in order to turn professional.

 

That title will not stay vacant very long as Caleb Hall (6-3) and Erik Nelson (2-2) face off to determine a new champion at the top of the amateur MMA card.  Hall is coming off a first-round submission win at “NEF XX” last fall, while Nelson recently picked up a unanimous decision victory at “NEF 21.”

 

The amateur MMA card will also feature a women’s fight between Angela Young(0-1) and “Hollywood” Hannah Sparrell (1-0).  Young and Sparrell made their respective debuts last year at “NEF XIX.”

 

The full “NEF 22” fight card (subject to change and approval of the Combat Sports Authority of Maine):

 

 

PROFESSIONAL BOXING

175 Crowsneck Boutin 0-0-1 (Choi) vs Brandon Montella 3-0 (The Way)

140 Brandon Berry 11-1 (West Forks) vs James Lester 10-9 (Kronk)

140 Josh Parker 0-2-1 (Ruthless) vs Evincii Dixon 7-13-1 (Lancaster)

 

 

PROFESSIONAL MMA

 

205 Mike Hansen 3-3 (Berserkers) vs Jesse Baughman 0-1 (Link)

170 Jarod Lawton 4-2 (Lawton/NEU) vs Aaron Aschendorf 2-2 (ABCC)

155 Devin Powell 5-1 (Nostos) vs Jesse Erickson 6-4 (CMBJJ)

150 Josh Harvey 0-0 (Young’s) vs Matt Denning 2-1 (CMBJJ)

155 Zenon Herrera 0-3 (Independent) vs Tollison Lewis 0-5 (CMBJJ)

145 Aaron Lacey 0-0 (Young’s) vs Derek Shorey 3-5 (Shatterproof)

 

AMATEUR MMA

 

145 *TITLE Caleb Hall 6-3 (Choi) vs Erik Nelson 2-2 (CMBJJ)

265 Dave Smith 2-1 (Berserkers) vs Nick Gulliver 2-0 (First Class)

265 Matt Glover 1-0 (Berserkers) vs Ras Hylton 1-0 (First Class)

265 Joe Krech 0-1 (Berserkers) vs Bryce Bamford 1-0 (First Class)

185 Anthony Spires 0-1 (Independent) vs Mike Williams 1-1 (CMBJJ)

170 John Hansen 0-0 (Berserkers) vs Alex Payson 1-0 (First Class)

155 Ken Dunn 0-3 (W. ME Budo Arts) vs Frank Johanson 0-1 (CMBJJ)

150 Cory Trial 1-2 (Ruthless) vs Jeremy Tyler 4-3 (Team Irish)

145 Johnny Crafts 4-0 (NEU) vs Taylor Costantino 2-1 (Team Irish PTC)

145 Glenn Kasabian 0-0 (Choi) vs Matt Marshall 2-5 (MMA Athletix)

140 Angela Young 0-1 (Young’s) vs Hannah Sparrell 1-0 (First Class)

125 Jake Denham 1-0 (Lawton BJJ) vs Ryan Daley 0-2 (Team Irish)

 

 

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

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

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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.”

 

Amateur MMA, mixed martial arts, New England Fights

FEATHERWEIGHT TITLE UP FOR GRABS NOVEMBER 21 IN LEWISTON

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Lewiston, Maine (October 15, 2015) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, will hold its next event, “NEF XX: A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE” on Saturday, November 21, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  The event will feature a first for Maine – mixed-martial-arts (MMA) bouts and professional boxing bouts on the same event with an MMA cage and a boxing ring set up side-by-side.  Earlier today, the promotion announced the addition of an amateur featherweight title bout to the fight card.  Aaron “Relentless” Lacey (5-1) is scheduled to meet Caleb Horner (6-2) for the inaugural NEF MMA Amateur Featherweight Championship.  The bout will take place at the featherweight limit of 145-pounds.

 

Lacey is a member of Young’s MMA in Bangor, Maine.  He holds victories over tough opponents like Dom Cofone (6-5) and Caleb Hall (5-3) in the NEF cage.  His only loss to date came in New Hampshire against Matt Tullos (7-0).

 

“I’m super excited to be fighting for that belt,” exclaimed Lacey.  “It means the world to me that my hard work and dedication are paying off.  There is no possible way I’m leaving that cage without that strap around my waist.”

 

Lacey had been previously scheduled to fight for the title, but suffered an injury during training which forced cancellation of the bout.

 

“Getting injured is never fun and is almost always an inconvenience,” Lacey continued.  “It has been very frustrating having to take time off because of injuries, but it has also shown me that this is exactly what I want to do with my life.  The fans can expect a whole new animal.  I may have been injured but that doesn’t mean I haven’t been working.  I have transformed my game and I will show everyone just how good I am come November 21.  Make sure not to blink this fight isn’t going the distance.”

 

Lacey’s opponent, Caleb Horner, will travel to Maine from Florida where he trains out of F2 Arena in Gainesville under Ryan Hodge (6-10).  Hodge and his students have gained a reputation as spoilers in the New England region, coming in from out of town to score upsets over local favorites.  Horner will look to continue that tradition when he meets Lacey on November 21 in Lewiston.

 

New England Fights’ next event, “NEF XX: A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE,” takes place on November 21, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  The event will mark the first time in Maine history a mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event and a professional boxing event have taken place together on the same show.  Tickets for “NEF XX” start at just $25 and are on sale now atwww.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, New England Fights

A FEATHERWEIGHT CHAMPION TO BE CROWNED AT NEF XIX

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Lewiston, Maine (July 7, 2015) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, will hold its nineteenth mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event, “NEF XIX,” on Saturday, September 12, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  Earlier today, the promotion announced a fight on the card that will determine the first-ever NEF MMA Amateur Featherweight Champion.  Aaron “Relentless” Lacey (5-1) is scheduled to face Dylan Lockard (3-0) at a fight weight of 145-pounds with the winner to be crowned the inaugural amateur featherweight kingpin.

 

Aaron Lacey has been a standout of the NEF amateur roster since debuting with the promotion in the fall of 2013.  He is undefeated in the NEF cage, holding victories over the likes of Dom Cofone (6-5) and Caleb Hall (5-3).  His only loss to date was on a fight card in New Hampshire to Matt Tullos (7-0).  Lacey represents Young’s MMA in Bangor, Maine.

 

“I’m super excited for this fight,” exclaimed Lacey.  “It’s a tough matchup between two top ten guys.  I have a new secret weapon on my side and her name is Vanessa Sanders.  Vanessa has been transforming my strength and conditioning, so come September 12th,  I’m going to display a side of me that no one has seen before. I’m a different, more dangerous fighter.  Don’t miss this one – I’m bringing that belt home.”

 

Dylan Lockard holds the only victory to date over Lacey’s teammate, and reigning NEF MMA Amateur Lightweight Champion, Josh Harvey (4-1).  Lockard burst onto the regional scene last year and, like Lacey, also holds a win over Caleb Hall.  He is a member of Tim Barchard’s Professional Martial Arts Academy (PMA) in Derry, New Hampshire.  Prior to competing in MMA, Lockard wrestled for Timberlane Regional High School in Plaistow, New Hampshire and later the University of New Hampshire (UNH).

 

“I’m excited to come up and fight for the NEF belt against a tough opponent like Aaron Lacey,” said Lockard.  “I haven’t had an easy fight yet, and this one is no different.  We’re going to steal the show on September 12th.”

 

New England Fights’ next event, “NEF XIX,” takes place on Saturday, September 12, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  Tickets for “NEF XIX” 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.”

Amateur MMA, mixed martial arts, New England Fights

AMATEUR FEATHERWEIGHT MMA TITLE UP FOR GRABS ON JUNE 13 IN LEWISTON

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Lewiston, Maine (April 22, 2015) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, will hold its eighteenth mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event, “NEF XVIII: Made in America,” on Saturday, June 13, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine.   Earlier today, the promotion announced that the first-ever NEF MMA Amateur Featherweight Champion will be crowned that evening when Aaron “Relentless” Lacey (5-1) takes on Alex Johnson (2-1).  The fight will take place at the featherweight limit of 145-pounds.

 

A member of Young’s MMA in Bangor, Maine, Aaron Lacey had a phenomenal start to his amateur career, finishing his first three opponents before dropping a decision to Matt Tullos (7-0) on a card in New Hampshire.  Lacey fired back, winning his next two in a row over Dom Cofone (5-5) and Nick Spencer (5-4) respectively. Lacey is a perfect 4-0 in the NEF cage and he will look to continue that streak and take home the featherweight title on June 13.

 

“It’s an honor to be fighting for the first ever NEF amateur featherweight belt,” stated Lacey when reached for comment. “Alex is a game opponent who likes to be in your face. He presents a very interesting challenge he is aggressive and powerful. It just so happens I fight the same way. Be sure not to miss it this fight has fireworks written all over it.”

 

Alex Johnson will look to avenge his first, and only, loss to Lacey’s teammate Josh Harvey (3-1).  That fight was Johnson’s amateur debut back at “NEF XIV” last September.  Johnson has been on a tear since, winning his next two in a row including a memorable, hard-fought decision over Team Irish’s Rick Matthews (1-2). Johnson is a member of Josh Parker’s (4-8) Ruthless MMA & Boxing gym in Benton, Maine, one of the newest and most promising teams to appear on the New England scene in recent years.

 

“I’m grateful for this opportunity, but it’s just a small step on the path to my big goals,” said Johnson.  “It’s just another fight, and when they close the cage door in June it doesn’t matter who’s in front of me.  I’m ruthless in every aspect and that’s what I’ll be bringing in June.  I train with the best around and nothing will surprise me.  I’ll be ready for wherever the fight goes.  Ruthless all the way baby!”

 

NEF’s next MMA event, “NEF XVIII: Made in America” will originate from the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine on June 13, 2015.  Tickets for “NEF XVIII” start at just $25 and are on sale now at www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisee 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.”

 

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.