QUINCY, Mass. (March 1, 2022) – Undefeated lightweight prospect Nicholas “Saint Nick” Molina will headline for the first time this Saturday night on the “Slugfest” professional boxing card, presented by Granite Chin Promotions, at New England Sports Center in Derry, New Hampshire.
The 22-year-old Molina (7-0, 2 KOs), fighting out of Lowell (MA), will face “Outlaw” Ryan Venable (2-10, 6 KOs) in the 6-round main event.
Woburn (MA) middleweight Julien “Black Dragon” Baptiste (3-1, 2 KOs) faces Brian Urday (1-0), of Whitman (MA), in an 6-round co-featured event that could steal the “Slugfest” show.
The undercard finds former New England Heavyweight Champion Justin “Crazy Train” Rolfe (6-3-1, 4 KOs), of Fairfield (ME), versus Fabian “El Lobo” Valdez (3-6), of Mexico, in an 8-round bout.
Rhode Island intra-state rivals John Ferrera (0-2), of Tiverton, takes on Providence’s pro-debuting Michael Vongsavath, Jr. in an intriguing 6-round match-up.
Also fighting on the “Slugfest” undercard, each in 4-round confrontations, is Pittsfield’s (MA) rising super middleweight prospect Steve Sumpter (4-0, 4 KOs) vs. Kynndale Prather (3-11, 1 KO), undefeated New Bedford (MA) light heavyweight Edet Mkpanam (5-0, 4 KOs) vs. Somerville’s (MA) pro-debuting Igor Pessoa, and Methuen’s (MA) pro-debuting heavyweight Viktor “The Siberian Express” Lobov vs. Andrew Nolan (0-3).
Card subject to change.
Tickets are available for purchase at www.TicketRiver.com (Search: SLUGFEST). Ticket prices are $35.00 (Bleacher Seating), $45.00 (Floor Seating, and $260.00 for a table of 4. Use discount code: DERRY to receive a special online discount.
Doors open at 6:30 pm. ET with the first bout at 7:00 p.m. ET. INFORMATION: Facebook.com/GraniteChin Twitter: @Granite_Chin
QUINCY, Mass. (March 1, 2022) – Granite Chin Promotions returns to the Granite State on March 19th with another professional boxing card, “Slugfest,” at New England Sports Center in Derry, New Hampshire.
“Slugfest” will be the second Granite Chin event promoted three weeks having presented “Showcase” this past Saturday night in Framingham, Massachusetts.
“After an exciting show in Framingham last weekend,” Granite State president Chris Traietti said, “I am excited to get back to Derry, New Hampshire, where we have had a ton of success during the last two years.”
Undefeated lightweight prospect Nicholas “Saint Nick” Molina (7-0, 2 KOs), fighting out of Lowell, Massachusetts, will headline “Slugfest” in an 8-round bout against “Outlaw” Ryan Venable (2-10, 6 KOs).
In the co-featured event, Woburn (MA) middleweight Julien “Black Dragon” Baptiste (3-1, 2 KOs) faces Brian Urday (1-0), of Whitman (MA), in an 8-round match.
Other fighters scheduled to be fighting on “Slugfest” include former New England Heavyweight Champion Justin “Crazy Train” Rolfe (6-3-1, 4 KOs), New Bedford (MA) Edet Mkpanam (5-0, 4 KOs), Providence’s pro-debuting welterweight Michael Vongsavath, Jr., Swansea (MA) super welterweight Anthony Andreozzi (1-2, 1 KO), Metheun (MA) heavyweight Viktor “The Siberian Express” Lobov, and Pittsfield (MA) brothers, super middleweight Steve Sumpter (4-0, 4 KOs) and heavyweight Quinton Sumpter (2-0, 2 KOs).
“There are a lot of fights in this card that will be well worth the price of admission,” Traietti added. “We are happy to have Nick Molina on a Granite Chin card for the first time, as well as debuting Viktor Lobov. Fans will also get a good dose of notoriously exciting fighters such as Julien Baptiste, Jason Rolfe, Anthony Andreozzi, and the return of Edet Mkpanam.”
Card subject to change.
Tickets are available for purchase at www.TicketRiver.com (Search: SLUGFEST). Ticket prices are $35.00 (Bleacher Seating), $45.00 (Floor Seating, and $260.00 for a table of 4.
Doors open at 6:30 pm. ET with the first bout at 7:00 p.m. ET. INFORMATION: Facebook.com/GraniteChin Twitter: @Granite_Chin
Mike “Bad Boy” Ohan (picture by Emily Harney/Fightography)
QUINCY, Mass. (November 1, 2021) – Granite Chin Promotions most recent signee, New England welterweight champion Mike “Bad Boy” Ohan (13-1, 7 KOs), will close out 2021 headlining “Championship Road,” on Saturday night, November 13, streaming live Saturday evening, November 13, on bxngtv.com, from The Rim in Hampton, New Hampshire.
Ohan, fighting out of Holbrook (MA), will be in his first scheduled 10-round bout against Mexican challenger Israel “Filipino Tigre” Rojas (14-24, 5 KOs) in a super lightweight, non-title fight.
“Ten rounds means a lot to me,” Ohan said. “It’s something I’ve watched my entire life because all legends fought 10-rounders. This is special for me. I’m ready to go and I will outclass my opponent.”
Ohan captured the vacant New England title last November, when he won an 8-round unanimous decision over Ryan Dibartolomeo, followed by a successful title defense in his last fight in June, when challenger Tyrone Luckey retired after the five rounds.
The New England title is a stepping-stone and next year I feel like I can collect more title belts next year,” he added. “I signed with Chris (Traietti, president of Granite Chin Promotions) because I want to be in big fights. I can’t wait for this fight, I’m already in top shape. Two guys I recently defeated recently knocked out undefeated opponents, (Eric) Palmer (WSD6 vs. 8-0-1 Ruddicus Livsey) and Luckey (WKO1 and WKO6 vs. 7-0-1 Eduardo Aguilar).”
A former 2-time Southern New England Golden Gloves champion, the now 27-year-old Ohan is the son of a former prizefighter, middleweight Mike Ohan (14-6-2, 11 KOs – 1983-95), who sparred “Marvelous” Marvin Hagler. Ohan, Jr’s grandfather on his mother’s side also boxed.
“I always looked up to my father as a fighter,” Ohan., Jr. mentioned, “but he didn’t want me to box. I started late and didn’t go to the gym until I was 16 to help stay out of trouble. My father’s supportive and he goes to my fights. I fell in love with boxing right away and I feel even stronger about it today.”
Ohan’s birth name is Ohanian, but he is Irish. “It’s in my blood,” he explained. “It goes back to the old bare-knuckle days. My father is Irish on his mother’s side, Armenian on his father’s. My grandmother is Irish on both sides. So, I have a lot of Irish in me from my parents.”
Undefeated Holyoke (MA) welterweight prospect Denzel “Double Impact” Whitley (6-0, 5 KOs), of meets John Ferrara (0-1), of Tiverton (RI) in the 6-round, co-featured event.
Guyana-native heavyweight Nkosi Soloman (3-1, 2 KOs), fighting out of Brooklyn, has been added to the card in a 6-round fight against TBA.
Fighting on the undercard, each slated for 4 rounds, is Woburn (MA) middleweight Julien “Black Dragon” Baptiste (3-0, 2 KOs) vs. Providence’s pro-debuting Alfred “Keenan” Raymond, Maine middleweight Llmar Kelly (0-1) vs. Providence’s Robert “Golden Boy” Nolette (0-1), Holyoke (MA) junior middleweight Carlos Castillo (3-0, 3 KOs) vs. Swansea’s (MA) Anthony Andreozzi (0-1), Pittsfield (MA) super middleweight Steve Sumpter (2-0, 2 KOs) vs. Juan Celin Zapata (6-19-2, 4 KOs), and Springfield (MA) middleweight Jamer Jones (1-0, 1 KO) vs. Woburn’s (MA) Aguilando Brandao (1-7).
Also, Lawrence (MA) lightweight “El Gallo” Kevin Rodriguez (2-1, 1 KO) vs. Daron Jenkins (0-5), Springfield light heavyweight Laurent Humes (2-0, 2 KOs) vs. Woburn’s pro-debuting Thailisson Nunes, Providence (RI) welterweight Damon Towns (3-0, 2 KOs) vs. TBA, Pittsfield (MA) heavyweight Quinton Sumpter (1-0, 1 KO) vs. Woburn’s pro-debuting Wewerson Silveira Silva.
Card subject to change.
Tickets priced at $60.00 (ringside) and $40.00 (general admission, in addition to ringside tables of four for $260.00, are available to purchase at www.TicketRiver.com (Search: Championship Road).
Doors open at 5 pm. ET with the first bout at 5:30 p.m. ET.
QUINCY, Mass. (October 14, 2021) – Granite Chin Promotions presents its seventh and final event of 2021, “Championship Road,” on Saturday night, November 13, streaming live on bxngtv.com, from The Rim in Hampton, New Hampshire.
New England welterweight champion Mike “Bad Boy” O’Han (13-1, 7 KOs), Granite Chin’s most recent signee, meets Mexican Israel “Filipino Tigre” Rojas (14-24, 5 KOs), in the non-title fight main event. It marks O’Han’s first scheduled 10-round bout.
Fighting out of Whitman (MA), O’Han captured the vacant New England title last November, when he won an 8-round unanimous decision over Ryan Dibartolomeo, followed by a successful title defense in his last fight in June, when challenger Tyrone Luckey retired after the five rounds.
In the 6-round co-featured event, undefeated welterweight prospect Denzel “Double Impact” Whitley (6-0, 5 KOs), of Holyoke (MA), faces John Ferrara (0-1), of Tiverton, Rhode Island.
“2021 has been a breakout year for Granite Chin,” Granite Chin Promotions president Chris Traietti said, “but it won’t light a candle compared to what is coming in 2022. The roster is getting bigger, more signings are on the way, and people will see Granite Chin fighters more and more on the biggest stages in the sport.”
Fighting on the undercard, each slated for 4 rounds, is Woburn (MA) middleweight Julien “Black Dragon” Baptiste (3-0, 2 KOs) vs. Providence’s pro-debuting Alfred “Keenan” Raymond, Lynn ‘s (MA) pro-debuting Alex Falcon vs. Wallace Nass Silva (0-2), Maine middleweight Llmar Kelly in his pro debut vs. Wallace Nass Silva (0-2), Holyoke (MA) junior middleweight Carlos Castillo (3-0, 3 KOs) vs. Swansea’s (MA) Anthony Andreozzi (0-1), Pittsfield (MA) super middleweight Steve Sumpter (2-0, 2 KOs) vs. Juan Celin Zapata (6-19-2, 4 KOs), and Springfield (MA) middleweight Jamer Jones (1-0, 1 KO) vs. Woburn’s (MA) Aguilando Brandao (1-7).
Also, Lawrence (MA) lightweight “El Gallo” Kevin Rodriguez (2-1, 1 KO) vs. Daron Jenkins (0-5), Springfield light heavyweight Laurent Humes (2-0, 2 KOs) vs. Woburn’s pro-debuting Thailisson Nunes, Providence (RI) welterweight Damon Towns (3-0, 2 KOs) vs. TBA, and Pittsfield (MA) heavyweight Quinton Sumpter (1-0, 1 KO) vs. Woburn’s pro-debuting Wewerson Silveira Silva.
Card subject to change.
Tickets priced at $60.00 (ringside) and $40.00 (general admission, in addition to ringside tables of four for $260.00, are available to purchase at www.TicketRiver.com (Search: Championship Road).
Doors open at 5 pm. ET with the first bout at 5:30 p.m. ET.
QUINCY, Mass. (August 17, 2021) – New England Heavyweight Champion “Fly” Mike Marshall has the right attitude as he prepares to headline “The Come Up” card, presented by Granite Chin Promotions, on August 28th at New England Sports Center in Derry, New Hampshire.
“The Come Up’ is the name of the professional card being held during the afternoon session of a day-night doubleheader, separate admissions. The championship final of the inaugural “Granite Chin Invitational” will headline the evening portion of Pro-Am doubleheader.
Marshall (5-1-1, 4 KOs), fighting out of Danbury (CT), who was supposed to fight on the Fury-Wilder III card July 24 in Las Vegas, which was postponed until October 9th due to members of Fury’s camp contracting COVID-19. Instead of playing things safe, avoiding risk and waiting to hear if he’ll be fighting on the rescheduled Tyson-Wilder III PPV, Marshall is fighting Jose “Olimpico” Corral (20-27, 12 KOs), in the August 28th 10-round, non-title fight main event.
“I was super excited to be on Fury-Wilder III so I could show everybody what I am capable of,” Marshall remembered. “When I heard Tyson had COVID and the fight was postponed, it disappointed me, but I got that opportunity and figure others will be coming. I stayed in the gym. I’m very happy Chris (promoter Traietti) got me on the card in the first place.
“This is the hurt business and I’m not one of those guys afraid of a challenge. I’m a fighter. The opportunity came up for this fight and I took it. I’m not one to sit at home waiting for a call. This is what I get paid to do. I’m focused on my job and not concerned about the uncontrollable.”
Marshall has won three fights in a row, all at the same venue as his August 28th fight, including his New England title-winning performance last November, when he took a unanimous 8-round decision from defending N.E. heavyweight champion Justin Rolfe. In his most recent fight this past June, Marshal fought 13-1-1 Steve Vukosa to a 10-round draw, for the vacant NABA – USA crown.
“Winning the New England title meant a lot to be because it’s my first as a pro,” Marshall added. “A lot of people thought that he’d win, and he was the defending champ. I went in there and did what I had to do and took home the belt.
“I proved that I could go 10 hard rounds with a veteran like Steve. A lot of guys on TV can’t do that. I thought I won, but he’s a veteran who is well known up there. I took care of business and imposed my will on him. Steve is a good guy; I gave him a lot of respect. I watched his training wars with James Toney.”
Rising New England prospect Denzel “Double Impact” Whitley (5-0, 4 KOs), an undefeated welterweight from Holyoke (MA), is matched against 57-fight veteran Dewayne Wisdom in the 6-round co-featured event.
The Sumpter brothers from Pittsfield (MA), light heavyweight Steve (1-0, 1 KO) and pro-debuting heavyweight Quintin, will be in action in 4-round matches. Steve faces Tahlik Taylor and 2020 New England Novice Golden Gloves champion Quinn faces Wallace Nass Silva (0-1). Also fighting on the undercard in 4-round bouts are Lynn, MA heavyweight Dennis Ventura vs. Andrew Nolan (0-1), Holyoke junior middleweight Carlos Castillo (2-0, 2 KOs), Florida middleweight Josniel “TG” Castro (4-0, 3 KOs), Lawrence, MA lightweight “El Gallo” Kevin Rodriguez (0-1), Springfield’s pro-debuting middleweight Jamer Jones, Niagara Falls junior middleweight Anthony Leaks (17-7, 7 KOs), and Springfield (MA) super middleweight Laurent Humes (1-0, 1 KO).
Card subject to change.
The championship finals of the “Granite Chin Invitational,” sanctioned by USA Boxing, with five title matches will highlight the all-amateur evening card featuring some of future New England future champions.
The most celebrated amateur in the finals, welterweight Arika Skkog (Nonantum Boxing Club), is the reigning USA Boxing Elite National champion, as well as a 2-time New England Golden Gloves Champion. In the championship match, she will meet dangerous Emily Jones (Everybody Fights Rock), of Woburn (MA).
Nashua (NH) middleweight Mike Fontanez (Nashua PAL), a 2-time N.E. Golden Gloves Champion and 2-time USA Boxing Nationals silver medalist, takes on Portland’s (ME) Wade Faria (Portland Boxing Club).
Framingham (MA) welterweight Kenny Larson (Nonantum Boxing Club) is matched against faces Manchester’s (NH) Apostolus Lolas (Nashua PAL), Lawrence (MA) lightweight Jaydell Pazmino (Thrive Boxing) meets Worcester’s (MA) Jonathan Cortez (Worcester Boys & Girls Club), and Meriden (CT) featherweight Diego “King” Bengochea battles Framingham’s (MA) Fran Scata (Nonantum Boxing Club). Matches subject to change.
Tickets are on sale now and priced at $35.00 (general admission, $45.00 ringside) and $240.00 for a ringside table of four for Day Show / $25.00 (general admission) and $35.00 (ringside) for the Night Show. Purchase tickets online at www.ticketriver.com (Search: The Come Up (day show) and Granite Chin Finals (night show).
Doors open at 1 p.m. ET (day) and 7 p.m. ET (night) with the first bouts, respectively, at 1:30 p.m. ET and 7:30 p.m. ET.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Milford, New Hampshire (August 13, 2021) – New England Fights (NEF) returns with its next event, “NEF 44: Back in Black,” on August 21, 2021, at the Hampshire Dome in Milford, New Hampshire. The show will feature both mixed-martial-arts (MMA) and kickboxing fights. Earlier today, NEF announced the full fight card for the event which will be the promotion’s first since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic and its first foray into the Granite State.
On the professional portion of the card, Glory Watson (0-1) and Rebecca Bryggman (0-1) will both seek their respective first pro victories in a women’s strawweight contest. Watson, a former NEF amateur flyweight champion, lost her pro debut earlier this year in Florida. Likewise, Bryggman came up short in her professional debut at Bellator 231 in the fall of 2019.
Caleb Hall (3-0) and Shaun Ray (2-0) will put their respective unblemished pro records on the line in a lightweight bout, as will Jacob Deppmeyer (1-0) and Aaron Hughes (1-0) who are scheduled to meet in the 145-pound featherweight division.
Also in action on the professional portion of the card will be NEF fan-favorite Josh Harvey (7-1-1). Harvey will look to bounce back after suffering the first loss of his pro career to veteran Jesse Erickson (10-8) last year.
Two title fights top the amateur portion of the card as Mike Bezanson (5-0) challenges longtime NEF Amateur Welterweight Champion Duncan Smith (6-3) for his strap and Nathaniel Grimard (3-0) and Brandon Maillet-Fevens (3-1) contest for the vacant NEF Amateur Featherweight Title.
Also featured on the amateur card will be a long-awaited rematch between Caleb Austin (4-0) and James Ploss (1-2) in the 125-pound flyweight division. Their first bout, won by Austin in April 2017 at “NEF 28,” was mired in controversy and received national attention on social media.
Additionally, NEF announced today that it had partnered with Combat Sports Now to provide a pay-per-view stream of “NEF 44: Back in Black.” The event will stream live in its entirety at https://combatsportsnow.com/event/new-england-fights-44 for $29.99.
The full “NEF 44” fight card:
PROFESSIONAL
155 Caleb Hall (Syndicate) vs Shaun Ray (Independent)
145 Josh Harvey (Vision Quest) vs Ian Beatease (KOV Gym)
145 Jacob Deppmeyer (First Class MMA) vs Aaron Hughes (Regiment)
115 Rebecca Bryggman (Kai MMA) vs Glory Watson (Young’s MMA)
AMATEUR
205 Henry Jeffs (Independent) vs Brandon Oldenburg (Vision Quest)
170*TITLE Duncan Smith (Evolution Athletix) vs Mike Bezanson (Kaze)
170 Curtis Ouellette (CMBJJ) vs Zach Faulkner (Recon)
170 Austin Hamilton (Independent) vs Jon Assam (CMBJJ)
155 Ryan Savage (First Class MMA) vs Kyle Pufahl (Nostos)
155 Lucas Donald (Independent) vs Evan Piette (Kaze)
155 Kaleb Kenney (Team Nitemare) vs Isaac Piette (Kaze)
145*TITLE Nathaniel Grimard (Nostos) vs Branon Maillet-Fevens (CMBJJ)
145 Cody Kilton (First Class MMA) vs Cam Hoyt (Kaze)
140 Mike Caron (SSSF) vs Key Baltazar (Nostos)
135 Teddy Politis (Evolution Athletix) vs Tyler Parent (CMBJJ)
130 Hannon Sanford (CMBJJ) vs Richard Martell (Young’s MMA)
125 Caleb Austin (CMBJJ) vs James Ploss (Kaze)
125 Tim Murray (Vision Quest) vs Guiliano Rossi(Kaze)
115 Matt Miles (Independent) vs Juan Quinom (UFC Gym)
130 KICKBOXING Dustin Veinott (CMBJJ) vs Geraldo Reyes (Team Link)
Tickets for “NEF 44: Back in Black” are on sale now at www.NewEnglandFights.com/Tickets/. The MMA and kickboxing event will take place at the Hampshire Dome in Milford, New Hampshire on Saturday, August 21, 2021, with a bell-time of 7 pm.
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.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Milford, New Hampshire (July 16, 2021) – New England Fights (NEF) returns with its next event, “NEF 44: Back in Black,” on August 21, 2021, at the Hampshire Dome in Milford, New Hampshire. The show will feature both mixed-martial-arts (MMA) and kickboxing fights. Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of a professional women’s strawweight bout to the fight card. Glory Watson (0-1) is scheduled to meet Rebecca Brygmann (0-1) at a fight weight of 115 pounds.
Glory Watson last appeared in the NEF cage in November 2019, suffering her first and only amateur loss in a strawweight title fight to a very tough Cara Greenwell (10-5). Prior to that time, Watson had rattled off six wins in a row to start her amateur career, capturing the NEF Women’s Amateur Bantamweight Championship in the process. She made her professional debut during the pandemic on a fight card in Florida, losing via first round submission to Ariana Melendez (1-1). Watson looks to get her first win as a professional on August 21. She currently represents Young’s MMA in Bangor, Maine.
“I am looking forward to returning to the cage for an amazing promotion and to do so against an experienced opponent,” said Watson. “This will be my second professional fight, and I am beyond excited for the cage doors to lock behind me! Wishing my opponent a healthy fight camp and best of skill on August 21st!”
Like her opponent, Rebecca Bryggman will also be looking for the first win of her professional career at NEF 44. Bryggman made her pro debut for national promotion Bellator in a losing effort to Elise Reed (4-0) in October 2019. She was 2-1 as an amateur, undefeated in MMA with her sole loss coming in a kickboxing bout. Bryggman fights out of New York.
“It’s all about divine timing and I’ve been hungry, patiently waiting to get back in the cage,” noted Bryggman. “Now is the time. A starved animal is a dangerous animal, and I’m that animal.”
Tickets for “NEF 44: Back in Black” are on sale now at www.NewEnglandFights.com/Tickets/. The MMA and kickboxing event will take place at the Hampshire Dome in Milford, New Hampshire on Saturday, August 21, 2021, with a bell-time of 7 pm.
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.
Milford, New Hampshire (June 30, 2021) – New England Fights (NEF) returns with its next event, “NEF 44: Back in Black,” on August 21, 2021, at the Hampshire Dome in Milford, New Hampshire. The show will feature both mixed-martial-arts (MMA) and kickboxing fights. Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of a professional lightweight bout to the fight card. Caleb Hall (3-0) is scheduled to face Shaun Ray (2-0) at a fight weight of 155 pounds.
Caleb Hall is riding a six-fight win streak in the NEF cage dating back to his amateur days. He has not lost a fight with the promotion since 2015. Hall is a former NEF Amateur Featherweight Champion. He turned pro in 2018 with a first round submission victory over tough veteran John Ortolani (11-14). In fact, all three of Hall’s wins as a professional have come via first round submission.
Hall is a product of Dirigo High School in Dixfield, Maine where he captured two state titles on the wrestling team. In recent years, Hall has taken up residence in Las Vegas, Nevada where he trains at Syndicate MMA.
“I’m excited to make my return to the cage under NEF once again,” said Hall. “I’m looking forward to getting out and testing my skill against my opponent.”
Hall’s opponent, Shaun Ray, is also undefeated as a professional fighter with two wins to his credit. He is a graduate of Easton High School in Easton, Maryland. Ray currently resides in Waterville, Maine.
“This has been a long time dream to be able to fight in the cage,” said Ray. “I’ve been training for this for years off and on. I get to test my skills against a worthy opponent. Thank you for making this possible and much respect to all involved!”
Tickets for “NEF 44: Back in Black” are on sale now at www.NewEnglandFights.com/Tickets/. The MMA and kickboxing event will take place at the Hampshire Dome in Milford, New Hampshire on Saturday, August 21, 2021, with a bell-time of 7 pm.
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.
Milford, New Hampshire (June 29, 2021) – New England Fights (NEF) returns with its next event, “NEF 44: Back in Black,” on August 21, 2021, at the Hampshire Dome in Milford, New Hampshire. The show will feature both mixed-martial-arts (MMA) and kickboxing fights. Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of a professional featherweight bout to the fight card. Aaron “Relentless” Lacey (6-2) will meet “Super” Shane Manley (5-5) at a fight weight of 145 pounds.
Aaron Lacey will return to the NEF cage for the first time since September 2018 when he submitted Jon Lemke (7-9) in the main event of “NEF 35” in Bangor, Maine. Lacey has been a longtime member of the NEF roster, debuting with the promotion as an amateur in the fall of 2013. He went on to win the promotion’s amateur featherweight title before turning pro in 2016. Lacey opened his professional career with four straight wins in the NEF cage. He represents Young’s MMA in Bangor.
“It’s been far too long since I have felt the NEF canvas beneath my feet,” exclaimed Lacey. “I’m going to show everyone why this is the fight to watch! I’m super grateful to Matt Peterson and New England Fights for making this happen, fighting during the pandemic at the local level has been next to impossible. One thing that definitely excites me is sharing this card with some awesome teammates! A fun scrap is about to happen!”
Shane Manley is making his return to the NEF cage after nearly a decade’s absence. Manley competed on the NEF 1 and NEF 2 cards, downing Jesse Erickson (10-8) and Ray Wood (8-5) in respective amateur bouts back in early 2012. Manley turned pro in 2013 and has faced some of the country’s toughest competitors, including current UFC fighter Cody Garbrandt (12-4). In 2017, he fought for national promotion Bellator. Manley’s most recent outing saw him hand Jeff Perez (5-2) the first loss of his career on a fight card in Massachusetts. That bout took place in 2019, prior to the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Manley currently represents Team Andrello of Liverpool, New York.
“I’ve been a part of NEF since the beginning, competing as an amateur on the NEF 1 and NEF 2 cards,” stated Manley when reached for comment. “It feels like the right fit to have me back after such a long layoff since their last show. I’m beyond excited to be a part of NEF’s debut in New Hampshire! I’m ready to come back to the promotion right where I left off… with another win! 3-0.”
Tickets for “NEF 44: Back in Black” are on sale now at www.NewEnglandFights.com/Tickets/. The MMA and kickboxing event will take place at the Hampshire Dome in Milford, New Hampshire on Saturday, August 21, 2021, with a bell-time of 7 pm.
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.
