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April 8, 2013

New England Fights! Signs 2012 Knockout-of-the-Year Award Winner Bruce “Pretty Boy” Boyington, First Fight of Deal Scheduled For May 18 In Lewiston, ME

[NEF Press Release]

Lewiston, Maine (April 8, 2013) -- New England Fights! (NEF) is proud to announce the signing of 2012’s “Knockout of the Year” Award Winner, Bruce “Pretty Boy” Boyington (2-5), to a multi-fight promotional contract. Boyington, a product of Young’s MMA, will compete for the first time under the new contract on May 18th at NEF VII in Lewiston, Maine.

“Bruce Boyington is one of the most unique, exciting fighters in the regional scene right now,” stated NEF co-owner and promoter Nick DiSalvo. ‘We actively sought to sign him for his unmatched willingness to take chances and his ability to be creative in the cage. When he opens up, he is one of the most inventive and dynamic athletes that has ever competed in NEF. We’re proud to welcome him to the roster.”

“Signing with NEF has been a huge blessing knowing that they are the biggest and best promotion in New England,” Boyington stated. “They continue to add new things and grow at a rapid rate. The contract is just an example of things to come and I’m honored to be attached to that. When someone is promoting the biggest and best fights around, you want in! Especially right here in Lewiston, Maine, where the fans are awesome!”

Bruce Boyington began competing in mixed martial arts in 2009 when he faced then little-known former Olympian Rick Hawn (15-2). Boyington, a Tai Kwan Do black belt and former Marine, lost his career opener to Hawn and dropped a loss in his second outing when he was defeated by Harvard College wrestling coach, Muzaffar Abdurakhmanov (1-1). However, Boyington brought NEF fans to a frenzy at “Fight Night III” in June 2012 when he pulled off one of the most impressive knockouts of all time by executing a perfectly placed jump spinning hook kick “for the ages” that left Keegan Hornstra unconscious before he hit the ground. The kick came at just :10 of Round 1. The highlight reel kick went international when it was featured on Spike TV’s “MMA Uncensored Live” and AXS TV’s “MMA Live.” The YouTube clip went viral garnering hundreds of thousands of views. Boyington became an instant viewing sensation. Most recently, he was honored by receiving NortheastMMa.net’s highly respected “Knockout of the Year” Award for 2012 for his now-famous kick against Hornstra.

“Bruce’s record is incredibly deceptive,” stated NEF co-owner and matchmaker Matt Peterson. “He’s mounted gutsy performances and come up short against guys like Dez Green (8-1) and John “Orto” Ortolani (7-7). When you fight the best, like Bruce has consistently in his career, you’re going to take some losses. But what we’ve seen in all of his performances is flashes of brilliance and an enthusiasm to engage. He captured the imaginations of fans worldwide last year when he knocked out Keegan. We’re excited to work with Bruce as he looks to recapture some of that magic in 2013.”

Boyington is scheduled to face Tony Woodman (3-6) at “NEF VII.” Woodman, who fought at heavier weights when he turned pro in 2007, has won his last two fights in a row since dropping down to his more natural weight class of 155-pounds. Woodman most recently stopped fan favorite John “First Class” Raio at “Fight Night VI” back in February.

“May 18th is the most important fight of my life,” stated Boyington when asked to comment about his upcoming bout. “I had a chance to rest and reintroduce myself to the world. A spark has been lit and I’m coming in with very bad intentions to show why it’s a big mistake to ask to fight me!”

At the time of this writing, the fight card for May 18 in Lewiston consisted of ten professional and more than thirty amateur 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 at www.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 atwww.youtube.com/NEFMMA, follow them on Twitter @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New England Fights.”