Tag Archives: Josh Harvey

mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

DANA WHITE: LOOKIN’ FOR A FIGHT CARD ANNOUNCED FOR BANGOR EVENT

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Bangor, Maine (July 12, 2016) – Earlier today, New England Fights (NEF) announced the fight card for the promotion’s August 5, 2016 event at the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor, Maine.  Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) President Dana White will be present at the event to scout talent for his web show Dana White: Lookin’ for a Fight.  Eight professional mixed-martial-arts (MMA) bouts will be presented before White.  Sixteen competitors will look to impress the UFC boss and earn a contract with the largest MMA promotion in the world.

 

In the main event, “The Fearless” Alfred Khashakyan (7-2) will face Brazilian prospect Ricardo Lucas Ramos (8-1) in a bantamweight contest.  Based out of Glendale, California, Khashakyan is a finisher, having won seven of his last eight bouts via knockout or technical knockout.  Khashakyan will be in good company on August 5 as his opponent does not believe in letting the judges decide the winner either.  Seven of Ramos’ eight wins have been finishes, including five submissions.

 

Maine lightweights Jon Lemke (5-5) and Jesse “The Viking” Erickson (7-5) will meet in a rematch of their Bellator 93 bout from 2013.  Lemke won the first battle in Lewiston via first round technical knockout.  Both Erickson and Lemke have recently challenged for the NEF MMA Professional Lightweight Title.  They are two of the top-ranked fighters in the state at 155-pounds.

 

Local, Bangor-based Young’s MMA will send no less than four competitors to the cage in hopes of winning a UFC contract.  “The” Ryan Sanders (10-7), Aaron “Relentless” Lacey (1-0), CJ Ewer (1-0), and Josh “Hook On” Harvey (1-0) will all be in action for the first time at the Cross.

 

In a bout that has all the makings of a “show-stealer,” Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) black belt Jarod “Last Minute” Lawton (4-2) is scheduled to face Mike “The Mustache” Hansen (4-4) in a middleweight bout.  Both will be looking to bounce back from losses in their respective previous bouts.  Hansen is a former state high school wrestling champion out of Mountain Valley High School in Rumford, Maine.

 

The full fight card (subject to change):

 

265-POUNDS: Brendan Battles (1-0) vs. Derrick Brown (4-3)

185-POUNDS: Jarod Lawton (4-2) vs. Mike Hansen (4-4)

170-POUNDS: CJ Ewer (1-0) vs. Ruben Redman (0-1)

155-POUNDS: Ryan Sanders (10-7) vs. Derrick Kennington (11-7)

155-POUNDS: Jesse Erickson (7-5) vs. Jon Lemke (5-5)

145-POUNDS: Josh Harvey (1-0) vs. Brandon Bushaw (2-2)

145-POUNDS: Aaron Lacey (1-0) vs. John Santos (3-3)

135-POUNDS: Alfred Khashakyan (7-2) vs. Ricardo Lucas Ramos (8-1)

 

New England Fights’ next event, “NEF Presents Dana White: Looking for a Fight”  takes place on Friday, August 5, 2016 at the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor,  Maine.  Tickets are on sale now at www.CrossInsuranceCenter.com or by calling the box office at 800.745.3000.

 

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 andwww.flocombat.com, 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

YOUNG’S & FIRST CLASS MEET IN SECOND TITLE FIGHT AT NEF 25

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Lewiston, Maine (June 28, 2016) – Less than 24-hours after the announcement of the amateur light-heavyweight title fight between Young’s MMA’s Victor Irwin (2-0) and First Class MMA’s Nick Shea (2-0), fight promotion New England Fights (NEF)  released a second championship bout between the two gyms at “NEF 25: HEROES & VILLAINS.”  Undefeated Rafael “Air Guard” Velado (3-0), Shea’s teammate at First Class MMA, is scheduled to face Jimmy Jackson (3-2), a teammate of Irwin at Young’s MMA, for the vacant NEF mixed-martial-arts (MMA) amateur lightweight title.  The title was previously held by Josh Harvey (1-0) of Young’s MMA and vacated last April when he moved up to the professional ranks.

 

“First of all, I appreciate the opportunity that NEF has given me to show my skills in the cage,” said Velado.  “There are other promotions in New England, but nobody puts on a show like NEF.  I’ve made it very clear that I am here to fight the toughest guys I can and once again I’m getting my way.”

 

In Velado’s last fight, he took on and defeated Mike Peitersen (3-1).  In doing so, Velado handed him the first loss of his career.  Peitersen is another teammate of Jimmy Jackson at Young’s MMA.

 

“Leading up to the Mike Peitersen fight, he and I respectfully challenged each other to train hard and bring it,” Velado continued.  “I believe that we did that and then some.  Now I have another Young’s fighter in front of me and I couldn’t be happier. Jimmy Jackson has been looking good in his last few outings and I believe we are a good match-up.  I see a trend of BJJ players who come over into MMA and think they are just going to jits their way through every fight. I can assure you that I am not that guy and you will see a constant evolution of skills in my fights.”

 

Jackson will have the opportunity to gain a measure of revenge for his team against Velado.  After starting his amateur career at 1-2, Jackson has won his last two in a row, including a submission victory over Kris Welch (0-1) at “NEF 16” last year.

 

“Fighting Raf is a huge opportunity for me – an opportunity I am very grateful for,” said Jackson when reached for comment.  “This is the time for me to show how far I’ve come and how much time and work Chris Young (Young’s MMA head coach) and the rest of the coaching staff and team have put into making me the best version of myself.  I do this for them, my team and my family.”

 

“I am pumped to be fighting alongside my First Class MMA brothers and sisters in September and I will be so proud to hand that 155 NEF Championship belt to John Raio (First Class MMA head coach) and tell him, ‘There’s more where that came from,'” said Velado in closing.  “As far as ‘Heroes & Villains,’ I believe every man or woman who steps in that cage is a hero, but you have to have a little villain inside you to do what’s necessary to win.”

 

New England Fights’ next event, “NEF 25: HEROES & VILLAINS,” takes place on Saturday, September 10, 2016 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  Tickets 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.  Tickets will also be available at the door the night of the event.

 

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, 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, mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

NO APRIL FOOLIN’: BOYINGTON VACATES TITLE, ERICKSON FIGHTS POWELL FOR THE STRAP

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Lewiston, Maine (April 1, 2016) – The earth-shattering announcement came late last night.  New England Fights (NEF) Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Professional Lightweight Champion Bruce “Pretty Boy” Boyington (13-8) took to Facebook to notify his fans that he had vacated the title belt.  Some speculated that it could be an April Fools’ joke, but those rumors were later quelled when Boyington himself stated under the thread that his decision had been made for personal and medical reasons, citing recent surgeries and a host of longstanding injuries.

 

“After one of the most inspirational and exhilarating rides of my life, I have talked with my wife, my coaching staff and teammates and have decided it’s now time to let go of one chapter and turn the page for another,” Boyington stated when reached for official comment. “NEF has been there for me since the start and I couldn’t ask for a better group to get me where I want to go. I like the thought of vacating the belt on top and handing it off to one of my teammates, hopefully Josh Harvey (0-0) and I will be excited to watch a couple other lightweight warriors going after the strap. Obviously Jon Lemke has quite a claim to that shot and I see my friend Jesse Erickson in the mix as well. Whatever should happen, I will always cherish every battle I’ve had in the NEF cage. Thank you sincerely to Matt Peterson and Nick DiSalvo.”

 

NEF executives acted quickly and formulated a plan by midnight to fill the title that sits atop the fight promotion’s most hotly contested professional division.  As a new day dawned, that plan had come to fruition.

 

“Bruce was a great champion,” said NEF co-owner and promoter Nick DiSalvo.  “He was the face of this promotion for two years.  The 155-pound title is our most coveted championship and there is no shortage of worthy challengers.  The decision to fill it as soon as possible was an easy one to make.”

 

Jesse “The Viking” Erickson (6-4) and Devin Powell (5-1) will now meet in a five-round contest at “NEF 22: ALL ROADS LEAD HERE” to crown a new champion.  The bout was already signed as a non-title three-rounder to headline the MMA portion of the April 23rd fight card in Lewiston, Maine.  Both athletes quickly agreed to go five rounds with the title on the line. Both athletes have each won their last three fights in a row respectively.

 

“I am honored to be able to fight for the title which I saw Bruce Boyington recently defend against Jon Lemke (5-4) in the best local fight I’ve ever gotten to see,” said Powell.  “I hope Jesse and I can put on a show for the fans that can be talked about for years to come.  I’ve been training too hard and too long to not hop on this opportunity.  I can’t wait to get in that cage April 23rdin front of an always amped up NEF crowd!”

 

Speaking of Lemke, NEF executives placed one condition on the upcoming Erickson-Powell bout – the winner must make his first defense of the lightweight title against Lemke.  Lemke lost a very close split decision in an attempt to claim the title from Boyington earlier this year.  That fight has been called “the greatest fight to ever take place in the NEF MMA cage” by many observers.

 

“Jon Lemke more-than deserves another crack at the strap,” said NEF co-owner and matchmaker Matt Peterson.  “His bout with Bruce at ‘NEF 21’ was nothing short of epic. I was completely spellbound watching that fight for the full 25-minutes it was contested. It’s a bittersweet time at NEF.  Bruce was a great fighting champion and despite the high stakes every time he stepped into the cage, he was always one of the most active competitors on the NEF roster. Bruce’s warrior spirit and memorable performances in the NEF cage will be dearly missed, but we are fortunate to have so many superb athletes waiting in the wings right behind him to fill that void. There will be no shortage of upcoming action in the NEF lightweight division.”

 

“It was a privilege and honor to fight Bruce for the lightweight title,” stated Lemke when reached for comment. “After the fight, I was pretty confident I did enough to win. Now, after watching the fight numerous times, there is no doubt in my mind that I won that fight. If Bruce doesn’t want to fight me again and vacate his belt, I understand and respect that decision. However, I am hungrier than ever and want what I believe is rightfully mine. It would be an honor to fight the winner of Erickson versus Powell for the title and I very much look forward to it.”

 

The April 23rd bout will be Jesse Erickson’s third attempt to capture the lightweight title.  He had competed against Boyington twice previously unsuccessfully for the championship.

 

“I’m so grateful for the opportunity to compete once again for the NEF lightweight title,” stated Erickson. “I was embarrassed postponing my first fight with Devin due to injury, but it seems everything happens for a reason.  To bleed for gold and glory. My Viking ancestors would be proud.  Give me the battle I crave, Devin.  Victory or Valhalla!”

 

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, 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.”

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

HEAT RISING ON UPCOMING DENNING-HARVEY FIGHT AT NEF 22 APRIL 23RD

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Lewiston, Maine (March 16, 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 this month, 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.  Since the announcement, the anticipation has continued to accelerate for the upcoming bout. In a recent interview with Jason Floyd on The MMA Report, Harvey made some comments that has sent the energy around the fight into overdrive.

 

“I find him disrespectful as a person and I want to keep it classy on a podcast,” Harvey stated in the beginning of the interview. “I do not want to speak my full mind. You meet the guy, talk to him for a minute and you want to fight him. But it depends on which Matt you are talking to. Because he can rub people the wrong way and he can kiss their ass on the same day. That is who he is.”

 

The bad blood between the two rivals has been rising for a long time. The potential matchup had been talked about for years, but is scheduled to finally become a reality on April 23rd.

 

“In this case, I’ve wanted to fight Matt Denning since we were both amateurs,” Harvey stated to Floyd during the interview. “I couldn’t make it happen then. I guess I wasn’t the fight he wanted. At the time, I only had one or two amateur fights and he was towards the end of his amateur career.”

 

“He’s backed out of fights before at the pro level,” “Harvey stated. “He’s missed weight. Is it a career? Is it a hobby? I mean, it’s for him to decide, but we’ll find out if he wants to show up to fight.”

 

When Floyd asked Harvey if the fight was personal, Harvey confirmed the obvious. “I think it is,” Harvey replied. “I’m not saying they’re going to want two refs in there to pull me off of him, but it’s going to finish that way.”

 

During the interview, Harvey also noted the difference in quality of training partners, as he sees it, and how that will impact the outcome of the fight.

 

“I don’t think he’s rolling with the animals that we’re bringing in every day,” Harvey stated. “The people he has submitted, I don’t think their jitz game was tight—and that’s why he took those fights.”

 

When asked how he would like to end the fight with Denning, Harvey explained to Floyd that a submission finish would be satisfying, but that he was prepared to create the finish wherever it presents itself.

 

“It would be nice to turn Ken Doll into Stretch Armstrong—that would be sweet,” Harvey stated toward the end of the interview. “But I’m going to beat him wherever the fight goes. I’m not going to force it down to beat him on the ground and I’m not going to force it to stay up. Of course, if he tries to take me down—I don’t give up takedowns for nobody. I’ll beat him wherever the fight goes.”

 

To listen to Josh Harvey’s complete interview on The MMA Report visit:

 

http://themmareport.com/2016/03/josh-harvey-on-nef-22-opponent-matt-denning-i-find-him-disrespectful-as-a-person/

 

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

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

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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, mixed martial arts, New England Fights

NEF XIX RESULTS FROM LEWISTON, MAINE

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Lewiston, Maine (September 13, 2015) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, held its nineteenth mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event, “NEF XIX: HOMECOMING,”  Saturday night at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  A crowd of nearly 2,000 fight fans was on hand to witness the slate of seven professional and thirteen amateur bouts.

 

The evening of action saw highlight-reel knockouts delivered by “Shatterproof 2.0” Derek Shorey (3-2) and Josh Harvey (5-1) who retained the NEF MMA Amateur Lightweight Championship.  Mike “The Mustache” Hansen (2-1) was victorious over Crowsneck Boutin (1-1) on the professional portion of the card.  In the main event of the night, Bellator and World Series of Fighting (WSOF) veteran Sidney “Da Gun” Outlaw (5-1) submitted the returning Darrius Heyliger (4-3).

 

In addition, the promotion announced that its next event, “NEF XX: A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE,” will feature a first for Maine combat sports – a joint MMA and professional boxing event.  The event will take place on November 21, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  Three fights were announced including: NEF MMA Professional Lightweight Champion Bruce “Pretty Boy” Boyington (10-8) defending the title against Jimmy “Jimbo Slice” Davidson (7-1); Northeast Junior Welterweight Boxing ChampionBrandon “The Cannon” Berry (9-1) defending his title against an opponent to be named; Billy “Bigfoot” Leahy (3-1) defending the NEF MMA Amateur Heavyweight Championship against Dave Smith (2-0); and Randi Beth Boyington (1-1) facing Erin Lamonte (3-0).

 

The results of “NEF XIX” in Lewiston, Maine:

 

PROFESSIONAL

 

CATCH Darrius Heyliger def. Sidney Outlaw via rear-naked choke, round 1

205 Michael Hansen def. Crowsneck Boutin via verbal submission, round 1

150 Derek Shorey def. Tollison Lewis via KO, round 1

CATCH Zech Lange def. Jay Perrin via split decision

155 Matt Denning def. Zenon Herrera via rear-naked choke, round 1

265 Matt Andrikut def. Artie Mullen via TKO, round 1

CATCH Jesse Erickson def. Ricky Sylvester via armbar, round 1

 

AMATEUR

 

155*TITLE Josh Harvey (c) def. Ryan Dibartolomeo via KO, round 2 (Harvey retains)

150  Jason Lachance def. David Thompson via rear-naked choke, round 1

190  Chaz Gray def. Dominique Bailey via rear-naked choke, round 1

155  Rafael Velado def. Cory Trial via armbar, round 1

170  CJ Ewer def. Ricky Dexter via unanimous decision

150  Hannah Sparrell def. Kira Innocenti via unanimous decision

CATCH Wil Carrero def. Clifford Redman via TKO, round 2

CATCH Henry Clark def. Fred Lear via triangle choke, round 1

185  Nick Shea def. Ruben Redman via unanimous decision

S.HWT Ryan Glover def. Jason Field via TKO, round 1

155 Mike Peitersen def. Ken Dunn via TKO, round 1

170 Scott Godbois def. Phil Pearson via split decision

130 Rachel Reinheimer def. Angela Young via unanimous decision

 

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

HARVEY PREDICTS FIGHT TO THE FINISH WITH DIBARTOLOMEO

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Lewiston, Maine (August 21, 2015) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, will hold its nineteenth mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event, “NEF XIX: HOMECOMING,” on Saturday, September 12, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  Headlining the amateur portion of the fight card will be Josh Harvey (4-1) defending the NEF MMA Amateur Lightweight Title against Ryan Dibartolomeo(4-3).  Recently, Harvey was the guest of NEF co-owner and matchmaker Matt Peterson on the NEF Podcast.

 

Harvey was introduced to the mats early in life.  He started wrestling in junior high school and continued through his high school years.  He began boxing at the age of 15 and trained in the ring for the next seven years.  It was not until he attended “NEF VIII: Nations Collide” in Bangor that Harvey realized he could have a future in the sport of MMA.

 

“When NEF came to Bangor and I watched Ray Wood capture the title, and I remembered him from high school wrestling, that was my cue to get in on this,” said Harvey.  “I knew it was a true possibility to go somewhere in MMA.  After college, there’s nowhere for wrestlers to go.  MMA, that’s the outlet.  That’s why you see wrestlers dominating in MMA all the way to the top.”

 

Soon after the event, then Young’s MMA wrestling coach Mark Heathcote reached out to Harvey through Facebook to invite him to train with the team.  Harvey quickly found a home at the Bangor gym founded by Chris Young.  He joined in on the massive success the team had already found in the MMA cages of New England.

 

“I was greeted very warmly at Young’s,” Harvey recalled.  “Everyone was very kind over there.  Bruce (Boyington, current NEF MMA Professional Lightweight Champion) was the first person to take me, not to say under his wing, but to get together outside of the gym and we became friends.  As far as the success Young’s has had as a team, I’m not gonna say you can chalk it all up to superior coaching, but we’ve got the best around, at least in this state, possibly in New England.”

 

On his way to claiming the NEF MMA Amateur Lightweight Championship this past June, Harvey finished all three of his NEF opponents in a total of just over three minutes.  Harvey, however, sees his future in the sport in the featherweight division.

 

“I don’t train to finish them all in the first round,” said Harvey.  “That’s just how it wound up.  Maybe you’ll see me go the distance as the competition gets thicker.  That’s why I love this fight with Ryan (Dibartolomeo).  He is, I believe, ranked number-two, so this is a good way to find out where I lay in that level.  I’m not a 55er.  As far as I’m concerned, I’m a 45er that’s fighting at 55.  Best 45er?  Amateur in New England?  Yes.  The game’s gonna change when I go professional.  We’ll see where I stack up there.”

 

When Harvey began discussing potential opponents for “NEF XIX” with NEF matchmakers, he was very clear that he wanted the toughest opponent they could find for him.  If he wanted tough, he will get just that in Ryan Dibartolomeo.  Dibartolomeo is out of John Fain’s Team Triumph/Boston BJJ of Nashua, New Hampshire.  After dropping his first three, Dibartolomeo has won his last four fights in a row, an impressive streak that began at “NEF X” in September 2013.

 

“All his fights that he’s won have been by decision,” said Harvey.  “In my mind, he let the judges win those fights for him.  Fights aren’t won by judges.  Fights are won by fighters.  My prediction is it’s gonna be a finish.  I’m gonna go out there, kill or be killed.  He’s either gonna finish me or I’m gonna finish him.  That’s how it’s gonna happen.”

 

You can listen to the entire NEF Podcast interview atwww.NewEnglandFights.com/Podcasts/

 

You can follow Josh Harvey on his official Facebook fan page “hookonharvey.”  For more information on Young’s MMA, please visit their Facebook page “Young’s MMA.”

 

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

FULL FIGHT CARD ANNOUNCED FOR NEF XIX IN LEWISTON

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Lewiston, Maine (August 14, 2015) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, will hold its nineteenth mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event, “NEF XIX: HOMECOMING,” on Saturday, September 12, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  Earlier today, the promotion announced the fight card for the event featuring a full slate of professional and amateur MMA matchups.

 

The event is aptly titled “Homecoming” as it will feature the returns of several athletes who have either been recently inactive or competing outside the NEF umbrella.  One such return will feature Darrius Heyliger (5-2) from Ithaca, New York.  Maine and the NEF cage became a home-away-from-home for Heyliger and several of his Bombsquad teammates during the early days of the promotion.  Heyliger competed regularly for NEF in 2012 and early 2013.  His last appearance in the cage was in May 2013 against Marcus “The Irish Hand Grenade” Davis (22-11) in the main event of “NEF VII.”  Heyliger will make his return on September 12 against Brandon Chagnon (5-4) of Sityodtong.

 

The professional side of the card will also feature the homecoming of Matt “Ken Doll” Denning (1-0) after a 10-month extended layoff from action.  Denning made his professional debut last November with a win over Derek Shorey (2-2).   He will return in front of his hometown crowd against Zenon “Ka-bar” Herrera(0-1).

 

Speaking of hometown fighters, Jesse “The Viking” Erickson (5-4), a native of neighboring Auburn, Maine, will look to extend his win-streak to three when he faces Ricky “Savage” Sylvester (2-1).  Sylvester’s previous appearance in NEF ended in controversy when many felt he held an armbar a little too long on Tollison Lewis (0-4).

 

On the amateur side of the card, Josh Harvey (4-1) is scheduled to headline in the first defense of his NEF MMA Amateur Lightweight Title.  Harvey will meet the stiff challenge of Ryan Dibartolomeo (4-2) from John Fain’s Team Triumph/Boston BJJ of Nashua, New Hampshire.  Harvey won the vacant title this past June with a first-round submission of Ricky Dexter (3-1).

 

The amateur portion of the card will also feature not one, but two women’s contests.  Young’s MMA of Bangor, Maine will be represented in both bouts with Angela Young (0-0) and Kira Innocenti (0-0) making their respective debuts.  Angela is the wife of Young’s MMA founder and head coach Chris Young.  She will meet Rachel Reinheimer (1-0) from Sityodtong while Innocenti will square off against Hannah Sparrell of First Class MMA.

 

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

 

PROFESSIONAL

265 Matt Andrikut 0-0 (Conviction Martial Arts) vs Artie Mullen 1-14 (Southern Maine MMA)

205 Michael Hansen 2-2 (Berserkers MMA) vs Crowsneck Boutin 1-0 (Choi Institute)

 

170 Darrius Heyliger 5-2 (Bombsquad) vs Brandon Chagnon 5-4 (Sityodtong)

 

155 Jesse Erickson 5-4 (CMBJJ) vs Ricky Sylvester 2-1 (Team Flo)

 

155 Matt Denning 1-0 (CMBJJ) vs Zenon Herrera 0-1 (Independent)

 

150 Derek Shorey 2-2 (Shatterproof Combat Club) vs Tollison Lewis 0-4 (CMBJJ)

 

135 Zech Lange 2-1 (Bombsquad) vs Jay Perrin 2-0 (Boston BJJ NH)

 

 

AMATEUR

205 Ryan Glover 1-1 (Berserkers MMA) vs Zak Bergeron 0-0 (CMBJJ)

 

200 Chaz Gray 0-1 (Young’s MMA) vs Dominique Bailey 0-0 (Independent)

 

200 Ian Milligan 0-0 (Team Kaze) vs Anthony Spires 0-0 (Independent)

185 Ruben Redman 1-2 (Independent) vs Nick Shea 1-0 (First Class MMA)

 

185 Caleb Farrington 2-0 (Team NEU) vs Jon McNeil 1-0 (Boston BJJ NH)

170 Ricky Dexter 3-1 (Team Irish) vs C.J. Ewer 3-2 (Young’s MMA)

 

170 Scott Godbois 0-0 (Berserkers MMA) vs Phil Pearson 0-0 (MMA Athletix)

 

155*Title Josh Harvey 4-1 (Young’s MMA) vs Ryan Dibartolomeo 4-3 (Boston BJJ NH)

 

155 Cory Trial 1-1 (Ruthless MMA & Boxing) vs Rafael Velado 0-0 (First Class MMA)

 

150 David Thompson (Shatterproof Combat Club) vs Jason Lachance 1-2 (MMA Athletix)

 

150 Kira Innocenti 0-0 (Young’s MMA) vs Hannah Sparrell 0-0 (First Class MMA)

145 Mike Pietersen 2-0 (Young’s MMA) vs Alex Johnson 2-2 (Ruthless MMA & Boxing)

140 Fred Lear 3-1 (Young’s MMA) vs Henry Clark 2-1 (Choi Institute)

135 Clifford Redman 0-2 (Independent) vs Wil Carrero 0-1 (MMA Athletix)

 

130 Angela Young 0-0 (Young’s MMA) vs Rachel Reinheimer 1-0 (Sityodtong)

 

125 Ryan Burgess 1-0 (Independent) vs Michael Crespo 3-2 (MMA Athletix)

 

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