NFL VETERAN TO DEFEND MMA HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE ON LEWISTON FIGHT CARD

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Lewiston, Maine (December 17, 2014) –New England Fights (NEF), America's number-one regional fight promotion, presents its sixteenth mixed martial arts (MMA) event, “NEF XVI,” on February 7, 2015 in Lewiston, Maine.  The event is scheduled to originate from the Androscoggin Bank Colisee. Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of a professional heavyweight championship bout to the fight card.  Tyler King (7-2) will defend the NEF Heavyweight Title against Terry "The Polar Bear" Blackburn (5-2).

"Everyone loves a big-time heavyweight title fight and this certainly is one," said NEF co-owner and matchmaker Matt Peterson.  "You have two guys with knockout power, but also two guys who know their way around a mat. Tyler King is looking to make a statement in his return against a combatant in ‘The Polar Bear’ that has a jaw that you could crack an anvil on. This fight is massive and fans won’t want to miss it.”

Prior to his MMA career, King built quite the resume in the sport of football.  The son of New England Patriots linebacker (1973-1981) Steve King, Tyler played defensive end for the University of Connecticut where he recorded 19 sacks, sixth all-time for the Huskies.  He would follow his father's footsteps to the National Football League (NFL) where he played for the San Diego Chargers and St. Louis Rams.  King arrived in the NEF MMA cage in May 2013.  He submitted Travis Bartlett (8-4) that night in the first round to become the first-ever NEF MMA Heavyweight Champion. King's first defense of the title will come against Blackburn at "NEF XVI."

"I'm back," was King's only comment on returning to defend the NEF Heavyweight Title.

Terry Blackburn represents Team Riot and First Coast Full Contact (FCFC) in Orange Park, Florida.  He is a veteran of the United States Navy.  With a solid background in boxing, kickboxing, Taekwondo and Judo, to name just a few of his many disciplines, Blackburn has also earned his blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ).  His wrestling coach is University of Southern Maine (USM) wrestling alum, and current number-one contender to the NEF MMA Lightweight Championship, Jamie Harrison (5-1).  Blackburn made his NEF MMA debut in September 2013 with a highlight-reel knockout of Jason Dolloff (6-18).

"Every fighter dreams of this opportunity in his career, and Tyler King is my opposition to try and stop me from fulfilling that dream that NEF has so graciously afforded me," said Blackburn.  "It will not be a wasted opportunity."

NEF's next MMA event, "NEF XVI," takes place on February 7, 2015.  Ray "All Business" Wood (5-0) returns that night to defend the NEF MMA Featherweight Title against Bellator and WEC veteran Anthony "Cheesesteak" Morrison (16-9).  Tickets start at just $25 and are on sale now at www.TheColisee.com or by calling The Colisee 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.

GUERRERO BRINGS CHAMPIONS SPIRIT TO OAKLAND AS THE RAIDERS WIN FIRST GAME OF THE SEASON

ROBERT GUERRERO

The Ghost on the field at Oakland Raiders game

OAKLAND, CA (November 21, 2014) - Last night, Six-time world champion Robert Guerrero was a special guest at the Oakland Raiders game, bringing his championship spirit to the Oakland Coliseum as the Raiders won their first game of the season. 

"This was the first game I attended this year and I know from experience that being around other world champions can be inspiring," said Bay Area native Robert Guerrero. "  Great athletes feed off one another.  I had a good feeling that the Raiders would pull this one out.  I told myself I'm going to bring some winning vibes to the stadium today and they came out on top.  The fans were going crazy and it was a fun night.  I was able to go on the sideline and inspire the team. It was a great win for the Raiders organization." 

The Raiders fans, who hadn't won a game in over a year, were going crazy when the Raiders drove down the field to in the 4th quarter to take the lead for good against the Kansas City Chiefs

World Champion Tori Nelson to Defend Title against Victoria Cisneros, Former Redskins LB Mike Balogun Added to Nov. 15 Jimmy Lange Boxing Card

Fairfax, VA --- With less than three weeks to go before its November 15^th card at the Patriot Center, Jimmy Lange Boxing officials announced the following updates:

Undefeated world champion Tori “Sho-Nuff” Nelson (11-0-1, 3 KOs), will defend her Women’s International Boxing Association (WIBA) Welterweight title against Victoria Cisneros (11-16-2, 4 KOs) of Albuquerque, NM in the 10-round Co-Main Event.  Nelson is coming off a tough split-decision win against Australian Arlene Blencowe on September 27, 2014 in Annandale, VA.  The popular Ashburn, VA fighter captured the WIBA belt by defeating Vashon Living at the Patriot Center in 2012, her second bout at the George Mason University facility. Cisneros is coming off two straight losses. However, both were world title bouts against impressive competition:  an 8-round TKO to Chevelle Hallback for the vacant World Boxing Federation female welterweight title on August 22, 2014 and a unanimous decision for Rola El Halabi for three light welterweight belts - vacant WIBA, World Boxing Federation (WBF) and vacant Universal Boxing Federation (UBF) on May 10, 2014.

Upper Marlboro, MD native Mike Balogun (1-0, 1 KOs), a former NFL linebacker who spent time on the Washington Redskins practice squad, as well as stints with the Dallas Cowboys, Buffalo Bills, San Francisco 49ers and Indianapolis Colts between 2010 and 2012, will compete in a 4-round heavyweight contest (opponent TBD). A University of Oklahoma Sooner defensive standout who started boxing six months ago, Balogun scored an impressive 2^nd-round TKO over Maurice Womack in his professional debut on October 23, 2014 in Washington, D.C.

Thomas Brown (15-4-2, 9 KOs) of Rock Hill, SC will replace Ronald Hearns in a six-round bout against former middleweight Jonathan Reid (35-15, 9 KOs) who was a teammate of Lange’s on the first season of The Contender  reality TV show.

Todd “White Lightning” Wilson (16-0, 5 KOs) suffered an ankle injury in training camp this week and will not be able to compete. Additionally, former world champion DeMarcus “Chop Chop” Corley is no longer on the card because an opponent could not be secured.

Doors will open at 6:00 pm, with the first fight scheduled to begin at 7:00 pm. "Lange-Jeter 2: The Rematch" is presented by Jeff Valcourt and Valcourt Building Services.

Tickets, priced at $50, $75, $125, $250 and $500 (plus applicable service charges), can be purchased through all Ticketmaster outlets, including the Patriot Center box office, online at www.ticketmaster.com/ and via Phonecharge at 1-800-745-3000.

Heavyweight Prospect Gerald Washington Returns to the Ring!

MAKES TELEVISION DEBUT  ON SHOWTIME EXTREME!   Press Release For Immediate Release

Burbank, California (June 6, 2013) - It was just over 3 years ago that Heavyweight prospect Gerald Washington realized that his career was better suited for the squared circle than the gridiron.  After a successful career at the University of Southern California (USC) and subsequent tryouts for NFL  teams, Washington decided to try his fate in the sweet science.   His choice of career change would be a good one as Washington did well in the amateur ranks and decided to turn professional in 2012.  Since then, the former USC standout has caught the attention of boxing aficionados everywhere, catapulting his career off to an impressive 7-0 (5 KO's) record.  On this Saturday evening, June 8, 2013,  Washington will face his toughest opponent to date in journeyman Sherman Williams 35-12-2 (19 KO's) in his first televised bout on Showtime Extreme (SHO Extreme).   It may seem bittersweet for Washington and he is hoping to make the best of his opportunity.  Washington did not take a traditional path to the sport of boxing and worked hard to get there. Washington grew up in a humble household in Vallejo, California.  A son to a single mother of Mexican descent and a father that was African-American, Washington was blessed to have both parents in his life.  He stayed with his mother during the weekdays and spent the weekends with his father and stepmother.   At the age of 12 years old, Washington was sent to live with his godmother in Mexico to experience a part of his culture.  He learned a lot from his experience and later moved back to the states.  After graduating from high school, Washington decided to join the United States Navy and completed his four year enlistment under honorable conditions in 2004. After his enlistment in the Navy, Washington attended Chaffey Junior College in Rancho Cucamonga and excelled as a tight end earning him a scholarship to USC.  Washington displayed his athleticism at USC and would play both tight end and defensive end.  In 2009, he graduated with a degree in Sociology from USC and later had multiple interests from NFL teams. After trying out for the Buffalo Bills and Seattle Seahawks, Washington realized his passion was for the sport of boxing.  As a youth mentor and boxing coach for the Youth Activities League with the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department, he re-discovered his love for the sweet science.  As he trained the youth and applied the techniques that he was teaching towards himself, he realized he could be heavyweight champion of world. Washington now has an opportunity to showcase his skills to the world as he will be debuting on live television via SHO Extreme on the under card of the highly anticipated bout between sluggers Marcos Maidana and Josesito Lopez at the Home Depot Center in Carson, California. Washington has been under the tutelage of trainer John Pullman and has been training diligently for his upcoming bout with Williams.  Taking a break from training at Pullman's Gym in Burbank, California, Washington was asked about his thoughts on his first live televised bout: "I'm really excited and appreciative of the opportunity to fight on live television.  I put in the hard work during training camp with my team and I'm getting better everyday.  I can't wait to get in the ring and showcase my talents for the world to see." "The opportunity that I have just brings me one step closer to a world title bout and eventually that world championship belt around my waist."   When his trainer John Pullman was asked about Washington's upcoming bout and future, he stated that: "Gerald is ready and did all the work he needed to do to prepare himself for this bout.  This is his toughest opponent to date and from what he has shown in his work ethic, I truly believe he will shut this guy down.  He has all the tools necessary in becoming the heavyweight champion of the world." Washington was later asked about his future and stated the following: "With this bout, I'm hoping to grab the attention of the boxing world.  I'm definitely on the rise and I'm improving everyday.  Heavyweights: take notice  because I'm coming to fight the best and clean up the division.  I'm going to bring the world title back to the United States where it belongs."

Ex-NFL Player Tyler King Replaces Randy Smith in Maine State Heavyweight MMA Title Fight on May 18 in Lewiston

Lewiston, Maine (April 30, 2013) – Just days after announcing the first-ever Maine State Heavyweight Title fight between Randy “The Wolf” Smith (14-13-1) and  Travis "The Showstopper" Bartlett (8-3), New England Fights! (NEF) was informed that Smith had been injured and would be unable to compete on May 18.  Taking Smith's place in the fight with Bartlett in Lewiston will be number-one ranked heavyweight in the northeast Tyler King (6-1).

"Our hats are off to Tyler King for taking such a huge fight on such short notice," said NEF co-owner and promoter Nick DiSalvo.  "His camp was quick to accept just moments after we were informed of Randy Smith's injury."

The son of Steve King, New England Patriots linebacker from 1973 to 1981, Tyler played defensive end for the University of Connecticut where he recorded 19 sacks, sixth all-time for the Huskies.  Later, Tyler followed his father’s footsteps into the NFL, playing for the San Diego Chargers and St. Louis Rams among other teams.

When his football career had ended, King, still hungry for competition, decided to make the mixed martial arts (MMA) cage his new stomping grounds.  In just over two years, King has amassed an impressive 6-1 record as a pro, with four of his wins coming in the first round.  King’s sole loss was via decision to the much more experienced Smith in a five-round heavyweight title war in the summer of 2011.  Tyler King is currently the number-one ranked heavyweight fighter for the entire northeastern region of the United States.

"I couldn't be more excited to be fighting Travis," said King when reached for comment. "The fact it is for the first ever Maine heavyweight belt just makes it that much sweeter.  You aren't going to find a tougher guy than Travis on the MMA scene in Maine.  I'm going to have to bring it harder than I ever have before.  The fans are in for a treat!"

This is not the first time Tyler King and Travis Bartlett have been scheduled to meet in the NEF cage.  The two were scheduled to meet last June at NEF III before a respiratory illness sidelined Bangor-native Bartlett.

"This is just a really good heavyweight fight that we've waited a year now to put on," said NEF co-owner and matchmaker Matt Peterson.  "And it's for the heavyweight title, making the fight all the more prominent.  No doubt all eyes will be on Lewiston on May 18."

At the time of this writing, the fight card for May 18 in Lewiston consisted of more than thirty fights.  The main event is scheduled to feature Maine MMA legend Marcus "The Irish Hand Grenade" Davis (21-9) battling Darrius Heyliger (4-1).  The co-main event will see UFC veteran Henry Martinez (9-5) squaring off with Dez Green (8-1) for the Maine State Lightweight Title. Tickets start at just $25 and are on sale now atwww.TheColisee.com or by calling The Colisee box office at 207.783.2009 x  525.  For more information on the event, visit 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.

Bangor’s Travis “The Showstopper” Bartlett To Return Home For Heavyweight Debut at Fight Night III

Lewiston, Maine (May 9, 2012) – New England Fights! (NEF) is proud to announce a professional heavyweight feature bout between Travis “The Showstopper” Bartlett (8-2) and former NFL football player Tyler King (3-1) at Fight Night III on June 16^th at The Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine. Fight Night III is being headlined by a heavyweight bout between former 5x UFC Heavyweight Champion of the World, Tim “The Mainiac” Sylvia (30-7) and Randy “The Wolf” Smith (14-10-1).

“This is a big card that keeps getting bigger,” stated NEF co-owner and promoter Nick DiSalvo. “Bringing Travis Bartlett back home to make his heavyweight debut against a giant guy like Tyler King is the perfect compliment to a massive main event in Sylvia-Smith. I don’t think anyone can plan on either of these bouts going to the judges!”

Bangor, Maine native Travis Bartlett began his mixed martial arts (MMA) career in 2007 after completing an impressive amateur boxing career with a record of 77-19 and #6 national ranking to his credit. After entering MMA, he soared to the #1 regional position at light heavyweight by rattling off a number of highlight-reel knockout performances and winning a local title along the way.

After successfully defending his title, Bartlett made the decision to move from Maine to the fight capital of the world, Las Vegas, to pursue his dreams of becoming a full-time fighter. Once established in his new home, Bartlett quickly became a sought-after training partner for some of the greatest fighters of all-time, including Wanderlei “The Axe Murderer” Silva (35-11-1) and current number one contender for the UFC Heavyweight Championship of the World, Frank Mir (16-5). Now, returning to Maine to fight for the first time ever in his home state, Bartlett is looking to make his heavyweight debut against the fifth ranked heavyweight in the Northeast, Tyler King.

“This will be my first fight as a heavyweight and my first fight in Maine,” Bartlett stated. “I’m very excited to fight in my home state and I think Tyler is the perfect opponent to give my Maine fans a super exciting fight!”

Tyler King is no stranger to elite competition. The North Attleboro, Massachusetts native played defensive end at the University of Connecticut where he was named the team’s Defensive MVP in 2004 before moving on to professional football where he spent time with four NFL teams.  Standing 6-foot-6, all of King’s wins in MMA have come via first round finish and he feels well prepared to face Bartlett on June 16^th.

“When this fight was proposed to me, I jumped at the opportunity,” stated King. “Travis is a well-respected fighter who never has a boring fight. His last fight was an absolute war and knowing what I bring to the table, I expect nothing less than a fight-of-the-year candidate for this bout.”

This will be the second time NEF has held an event at the Colisee this year. This past February, at the inaugural Fight Night event, some 3,200 frenzied fight fans showed up to see the biggest event in Maine mixed martial arts (MMA) history; almost 800 more fans than the crowd that witnessed Muhammad Ali vs. Sonny Liston II in 1965, the most famous fight event ever to take place at the Colisee or in the state of Maine for that matter.

For more information on this event, visit www.NewEnglandFights.com. You can watch NEF videos, including an interview with Tim Sylvia at www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, follow them on twitter @nefights and join the official Facebook group “Fight Night Mixed Martial Arts”.  Tickets for this event are on sale now at TheColisee.com or by calling The Colisee box office at 207-783-2009.

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.