Lewiston, Maine (May 17, 2016) – Just days removed from hosting a "Fight of the Year" candidate in Hyannis, Massachusetts between Kylie O'Hearn (1-0) and Angela Young (1-2), New England Fights (NEF) announced that the fight promotion's cage would host another women's amateur bout in Lewiston on June 18, 2016. At "NEF 24: PROMISED LAND," NEF veteran Alex Walker (0-1) returns to the cage to meet newcomer Nicole Burgess (0-0) in an amateur strawweight bout.
Walker arrived in NEF in the spring of 2015 to face Randi Beth Boyington (1-3) in what was the cage debut for both women. Just like O'Hearn and Young did this past weekend in Hyannis, Walker and Boyington stole the show at "NEF 17." They battled tooth-and-nail for three rounds before Boyington took a unanimous decision on the judges' scorecards.
Walker is expected to give another "Fight of the Night" performance at "NEF 24" after an injury forced her out of competition for the past year. Those who know her, including her coach and teammates at Team Kaze in Lancaster, New Hampshire, say that Walker lives to fight. Being unable to climb into the cage for so long has made Walker more determined than ever.
"I can't wait to fight in Maine again," exclaimed Walker when reached for comment. "I had an injury last year, a month after my fight with Randi Beth. I am recovered and ready to go. It killed me to be on the sidelines. I feel like I earned some respect and some fans in Maine and I don't want to lose that. I am sure this girl will be ready, but she won't be ready for me! Between life's hardships, surgery, losses, and whatever else, I will not quit until I am successful! It would mean a lot to me to get my first W in front of the Maine fans on June 18th!"
Standing opposite Walker on June 18 will be Nicole Burgess. If the name sounds familiar to NEF fans, it should. She is the sister of NEF MMA fighter Ryan Burgess (2-0). Ryan is the reigning NEF MMA Amateur Flyweight Champion. The undefeated streak of the Burgess family in the NEF cage will be on her shoulders at "NEF 24."
Burgess, a native of Mexico, Maine, wrestled and played field hockey for Mountain Valley High School in Rumford, Maine prior to attending Plymouth State University in Plymouth, New Hampshire. While at Mountain Valley, she placed three times at states in wrestling. She currently trains with Berserkers MMA.
"I'm excited about this opportunity to finally get in the cage," said Burgess. "After seeing my brother win the title at 125, it really amped me up to take this on since I've been wrestling with him for years. This will be an opportunity to show people what I'm made of. I'm ready for a fight."
"Women's fights have stolen the show at three different NEF events in the past year," stated NEF matchmaker and co-owner Matt Peterson. "This one will be no different. Women's fights in MMA are not a novelty. From the regional level right up to the UFC, female athletes are excelling to heights unseen in other sports. The sky is the limit for Nicole and Alex. I can't wait for this one!"
NEF returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine on June 18, 2016 with "NEF 24: PROMISED LAND." Tickets for “NEF 24” start at just $25 and are on sale now at www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisée box office at 207.783.2009 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 videos at www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, follow them on Twitter @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New England Fights.”