JAMIE HARRISON RETURNS AT NEF XV TO FACE TOLLISON LEWIS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Lewiston, Maine (October 6, 2014) –New England Fights (NEF), America's number-one regional fight promotion, will present its fifteenth mixed martial arts (MMA) event, entitled “NEF XV,” on November 15, 2014 at the historic Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine.  Today, NEF announced the addition of a professional catchweight feature fight to the card.  Fan-favorite Jamie Harrison (4-1) will make his return to the promotion to face Tollison Lewis (0-2) at a weight of 158-pounds.

"Maybe more than for any other fighter," stated NEF co-owner and promoter Nick DiSalvo, "we get asked by fans 'when will Jamie Harrison be back?'  Well, the wait is over.  Jamie Harrison is back and he will be in the NEF cage on November 15 in Lewiston!"

The bout will mark the long-awaited return of Harrison to his home state of Maine.  He wrestled for Windham High School, placing second and third in state during his tenure with the team.  Later, Harrison went on to wrestle at the University of Southern Maine under assistant coach, and future UFC star and World Champion, the legendary Mike Thomas Brown (25-9).  Recent years have seen Harrison relocate to Jacksonville, Florida where he trains fighters at First Coast Full Contact (FCFC).  In 2012, Harrison returned to Maine four times to fight on NEF MMA cards, going 4-0 for the year and becoming the number-one contender in the promotion's lightweight division.  His last appearance for NEF saw Harrison score a victory over Josh Parker (4-8) in September 2012.  He has since accompanied several of his fighters from FCFC up to Maine to fight on NEF events.

"I am really excited to come back to Lewiston once again and fight for NEF," said Harrison when reached for comment.  "After sorting out life changes, I now have regained focus on my return the cage.  In the past two years as a coach we have fought for numerous promotions up and down the east coast, and nothing compares to NEF's crowds and event production.  I have never stopped training and have added much confidence to my game.  I cannot wait to face a game and respectful opponent like Tollison Lewis in November.  He has never taken an easy fight and is now surrounded by top-notch coaches, so this will be an exciting fight."

Tollison Lewis has gotten off to a slow start to his professional career, losing his first two fights.  His fight game, however, has come a long way since his amateur days, and Lewis is on the verge of breaking out in the professional ranks.  Observers have commented on the major improvement in his striking skills with more strikes available to him now as per professional rules, as well as a huge step up in his wrestling game as showcased in his bout last month with Ricky Sylvester (2-0).  Lewis is predicting his first victory as a professional will come at NEF XV when he meets Harrison.

"First, I'd like to thank NEF for once again allowing me to fight for them.  I've fought very tough opponents, but I must say Jamie may be my toughest fight to date!  Jamie has dominant wrestling skills, but I'll be prepared to throw down with him in any aspect of the fight and show that every fight I'm only improving and will get to the top ranks in New England.  I'm training hard for this fight and it'll be a big win for me to get.  This is a fight fans don't want to miss.  It'll be an all out war.  Thank you again NEF for having me, and Jamie for taking the fight, brotha."

"NEF XV" takes place on November 15, 2014 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine. "NEF BOXING" takes place onOctober 11, 2014, also at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee. Tickets for both events start at just $25 and are on sale now atwww.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisee 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 fight videos at www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, follow the promotion 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.

SHOREY VS DENNING SET FOR NOVEMBER 15 AT “NEF XV”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Lewiston, Maine (October 2, 2014) –New England Fights (NEF), America's number-one regional fight promotion, will present its fifteenth mixed martial arts (MMA) event, entitled “NEF XV,” on November 15, 2014 at the historic Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine. Today, NEF announced the addition of a catchweight feature fight to the card. Derek Shorey (1-0) is set to take on Matt Denning (0-0) in his professional debut at a special catchweight of 140-pounds. NEF also announced that Denning has joined Shorey in signing a multi-fight contract with the company.

“Derek Shorey and Matt Denning is a fight fans’ delight,” stated NEF co-owner and matchmaker Matt Peterson. “In his professional debut, Derek Shorey was reborn as an athlete and looked like a brand new fighter compared to what we saw in his amateur career. He was focused, composed, and patient—and when he found his opening, he ended the fight. Matt Denning is a guy that loves to compete and is never afraid to throw hands. Both guys have performed in the pocket as of late and we’re certainly in for a real treat when they clash on November 15^th.”

Derek Shorey debuted with NEF in April 2012 at “NEF II.” He competed for NEF four times as an amateur going 1-3 for the promotion. At “NEF XIV” in September, Shorey fought for NEF for the fifth time when he made his professional debut against former nemesis, John “First Class” Raio (2-6), who had defeated Shorey when the two competed as amateurs. In their rematch, Shorey left little question as to how much he had improved since turning pro when he finished Raio via guillotine choke in the first round. Now, Shorey is looking to keep his win streak alive when he welcomes Matt Denning to the professional ranks on November 15^th.

“I’ve seen this fight coming for awhile,” stated Shorey when reached for comment. “I think we’ve both got a decent grappling game, but I also think we’re both anxious to showcase our standing skills. I’m very thankful for this opportunity and I know that this is going to be a dogfight. I can’t wait.”

Matt Denning, like Derek Shorey, is a name familiar to NEF fans. Since making his amateur debut last year, Denning, also like Shorey, has competed five times inside the NEF cage. The Central Maine Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (CMBJJ – Team NEU) product has won his last two fights in a row and most recently defeated Jeremy Tyler (4-3) at “NEF XIV” in September in his amateur swansong. Now, after years of training in combat sports, Denning is prepared to make his move to the professional ranks where he plans to make his presence felt as a bantamweight.

“Fighting is in your blood and some people enjoy punching their friends everyday,” stated Denning when reached for comment. “On November 15^th, I’m going to have to punch my friend. Derek Shorey is a good guy, but I’m going to prove that I train harder and put in the work to get the win. I made a quick jump into MMA and I plan on making it a long-lasting career. I don’t want to be another stepping stone.”

“We’re proud to have both Derek and Matt on the NEF roster,” stated NEF co-owner and promoter Nick DiSalvo. “Both athletes have stayed the course and have shown signs in their performances of developing into two of the Northeast’s top-ranked professional bantamweights. NEF looks forward to providing them with the opportunities to continue tapping into their limitless potential.”  

"NEF XV" takes place on November 15, 2014 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine. "NEF BOXING" takes place on October 11, 2014, also at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee. Tickets for both events start at just $25 and are on sale now atwww.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisee 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 fight videos at www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, follow the promotion 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.