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| Jesse Erickson in his last amateur fight for NEF |
[NEF Press Release]
Lewiston, Maine (April 2, 2013) -- In a continuing effort to scout, sign and develop the best talent in the Northeast, New England Fights! (NEF) is proud to announce the addition of two talented professional lightweights to its roster in Jesse "The Viking" Erickson (0-1) and Josh Parker (4-5). NEF has signed both prospects to multi-fight promotional contracts and the two will compete against one another at NEF VII on May 18.
"NEF is committed to working with the best established and up-and-coming fighters in the region," said NEF co-owner and promoter Nick DiSalvo. "With these two latest signings, we've achieved both of those priorities."
Erickson joins fellow NEF fighter Ray Wood as a former top-ranked-amateur recently turned professional to sign with the promotion. Erickson holds notable wins in the amateur ranks over Aubrey Rion, Drew Waltz and Tollison Lewis. The Central Maine Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (CMBJJ) product recently made his professional debut in Bellator MMA and lost a hard-fought battle with undefeated Team Irish standout Jon Lemke (2-0).
"I feel honored with the opportunity to sign with NEF," stated Erickson. "I've fought for every one of their shows and I have grown as a fighter on their stage. I look forward to the next level of competition that the professional level brings!"
Josh Parker is another familiar face to NEF fans, having competed on four of the promotion's last six events. Parker, who in the past struggled to find consistency in his professional career, is riding high since his most recent bout--a crowd-pleasing come-from-behind second-round submission victory over former South Carolina champion Amos Collins.
"I want to thank NEF for signing me and giving me this opportunity," stated Parker. "I have fought for many promotions and NEF is hands down the best! I am proud to fight for them--they are very professional and take care of their fighters--and my performance on May 18th will prove they made the right decision in signing me!"
"Signing two tough, hardworking, disciplined professionals like Jesse Erickson and Josh Parker to long-term contracts is the real joy of this job" stated NEF co-owner and matchmaker Matt Peterson. "Both guys have always fought valiantly for us. It will be a privilege to work with them on the next stages of their careers. Further, as a fan of both individuals, I know we can expect the summer fireworks to come early in their bout 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 Jamie Harrison (4-1) for the Maine State Lightweight Title. Also on the main card, Travis "The Showstopper" Bartlett (8-3) meets Randy "The Wolf" Smith (14-13-1) for the Maine State Heavyweight 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, visitwww.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.”