FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Rumford, Maine (July 18, 2013) – “All Business” Ray Wood (4-0) is already back at work fresh off of capturing the first-ever Maine State MMA Featherweight Championship last Friday night in Bangor, Maine. New England Fights (NEF) announced today that Wood is scheduled to defend his title at NEF X on September 21st, 2013 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine.
“Ray Wood is on his way to becoming the most active winning fighter in the Northeast this year,” stated NEF co-owner and promoter Nick DiSalvo. “After securing the 145-pound championship less than a week ago, Wood was immediately asking Matt [Peterson, NEF matchmaker] what was next. Ray’s performances in the cage reflect clarity of purpose—he knows what he wants to do with his life; he’s committed to remaining undefeated and finishing fights. He has that championship mentality.”
Ray Wood amassed a 5-1 amateur record, earned the ranking of the number one featherweight in the Northeast and was selected as the “2012 Amateur Fighter of the Year” before turning professional last November. The lone blemish on Wood’s amateur record was a decision loss against Shane Manley that occurred over a year ago when Wood was forced to bump up in weight after failing to find opponents willing to face him at his natural weight class of featherweight. Since turning pro, Wood has achieved a perfect 4-0 record by scoring wins over worthy opponents such as Ahsan Abdulla (5-3) and most recently Lenny Wheeler (6-3) for the championship. Wood has stopped all four of his opponents as a professional.
Wood is set to defend his Featherweight Championship against top ranked and fellow undefeated fighter Joe “Lights Out” Pingitore (4-0-1) out of New England Combat (NEC) in Rhode Island. Since he began competing over three years ago, Pingitore gained a reputation for his conditioning and devastating knockout power. Pingitore and Wood share a win over Ahsan Abdulla. Pingitore jumped at the opportunity to face Wood in his home state and isn’t intimidated by the idea of stepping into the cage against an opponent who many pundits have named the next big thing.
“I want to see if the Ray Wood hype is real,” stated Pingitore when reached for comment. “I’m not driving six hours just to get in a fight—I’m driving six hours to go to war and come home with a belt, or in a body bag, if necessary.”
“Winning the Maine State MMA Featherweight title in my hometown was an honor,” stated Wood when reached for comment. “However, defending the title in Lewiston against ‘Lights Out’ will certainly be a privilege. He’s a well-rounded fighter with good striking ability and I have yet to face a good, solid striker. I see this fight being a fast-paced, standup war. I can guarantee it will be the fight-of-the-night so get your tickets now.”
“Ray Wood and Joe Ping are at the perfect points in their careers to face one another,” stated NEF co-owner and matchmaker Matt Peterson. “Both fighters are young, athletic and focused. Their records are virtually identical. The winner of this fight should be included in the final-four discussion for the top slots in the ultra-competitive northeast featherweight division, without a doubt. As fans, we can expect a high-level, technical showing from these two adept 145-pound fighters on September 21st.”
NEF X is scheduled to take place on Saturday, September 21, 2013 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine. Tickets start at just $25 and are on sale now at www.TheColisee.com.
New England Fights! presents its next mixed-martial arts event onAugust 3, 2013 in Biddeford, Maine at the Biddeford Ice Arena. Tickets start at $20 and are on sale now at www.newenglandfights.com. 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 Mixed Martial Arts 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.
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