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 on October 11, 2014, also at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee. Tickets for both events 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 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.”