[NEF Press Release]
Lewiston, Maine (December 22, 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 an amateur middleweight bout to the fight card. The bout will feature two of the promotion's premier amateur fighters as Crowsneck Boutin (6-6) will take on Nash Roy (2-1) at a fight weight of 185-pounds.
"This fight is the story of two men who have made lifestyle changes for the better through MMA," said NEF co-owner and promoter Nick DiSalvo. "They have both become respected athletes within this organization. Crowsneck Boutin and Nash Roy are prime examples of bettering oneself through hard work and determination. No matter the outcome, there are no losers in this fight."
A former street fighter from Lubec, Maine with no formal training in the martial arts, Boutin entered the NEF MMA ranks during the promotion's infancy in 2012. After suffering a pair of losses to start his career, Boutin joined the Choi Institute in Portland, Maine. There, Crowsneck reformed himself and embraced the martial arts. He has since developed into a well-disciplined fighter with advanced striking skills. Boutin has been victorious in his last three fights, earning himself the "2014 Fighter of the Year" award as voted by NEF fans. He will look to continue that streak in 2015, beginning with his "NEF XVI" bout against Nash Roy.
"I've always been quite fond of the month of February," said Boutin when reached for comment. "Its cold is brutal and honest. It's a beautiful, moonlit month to harvest from the low water. I've always preferred working in the cold."
At just 20-years-old, Nash Roy is one of the youngest fighters on the NEF MMA roster. Overweight and inactive, he had joined Young's MMA in Bangor, Maine as a way to get in shape. After losing an amazing 100-pounds, Roy decided to join his Young's MMA teammates in competing in the NEF MMA cage. (Additionally, Roy decided to assist others in developing healthy lifestyles, recently obtaining his personal trainer's certificate and opening the Warrior's Way Athletics training program based out of Young's MMA.) Roy started his MMA career on the plus side, winning his first two bouts as an amateur both by first-round stoppage. Roy would experience his first loss in the cage this past fall against Caleb Farrington (1-0). He will be looking to get back on the winning track on February 7 in Lewiston against Boutin.
"I am really excited to fight Crowsneck, and have been trying to make this matchup happen for awhile," said Roy. "I have trained with Crowsneck and have the utmost respect for him, his work ethic, and his skills. That being said, as always, there will be no feeling-out process. My style is kill or be killed, and that's the only gear I have in the cage. I'm excited for this opportunity to represent my great team and coaches. To the fans - prepare to experience another war."
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.”