New England Fights 24 Official Preview

New England Fights 24 Official Preview

Jun 16, 2016 by FloCombat Staff
New England Fights 24 Official Preview
By Hunter Homistek

New England Fights comes to Lewiston, Maine, Saturday, June 18, with "New England Fights 24: Promised Land."

The professional MMA and boxing event takes place inside the Androscoggin Bank Colisée, but if you can't make it to Maine in time for the card, we have a solution. Just fire up your FloPro account and tune in right here on FloCombat Saturday at 7 p.m. EST.

We'll bring the action right to your favorite device, and we have a strong feeling you'll want to strap in for this one.

Here are a few reasons why you don't want to miss NEF 24.


1. Guaranteed gold



In the main event of the boxing portion of the card, Brandon "The Cannon" Berry puts his Northeast Junior Welterweight title on the line against James "The Motor City Bad Boy" Lester. 

Expect both men to come out aggressive and determined in this one, as they faced off earlier this spring at NEF 22. In that bout, the two fought to a draw on the judges' scorecards, but NEF brass ensures this won't happen again.

To eliminate the possibility of another draw, they're adding a seventh round to the fight. This time around, somebody wins and somebody loses—there's no more gray area. Berry loves to tote his hardware around town, but Lester relishes the opportunity in front of him.

Watch Saturday to see whose fists shine at NEF 24.


2. Is there a doctor in the building?



Yes, yes there is. At NEF 24, Steve Bang, Sr., (1-1) faces Stacy Lupo (0-0) in an amateur MMA lightweight bout. Bang, a 46-year- old bariatric surgeon, has served as the cageside physician at past events. Now, he's taking his skills inside the cage for the third time against Lupo.

"Just days after turning 47, I will face a warrior intent upon bodily harm and yet I find myself incredibly blessed and thankful for the health and privilege to do so,” Bang said. "I bring the health of mind, body and spirit beyond what is required to just be a participant.  I have checked all of the boxes that give me the tools required to be a victorious warrior at any age.”

While Lupo will make his MMA debut at NEF 24, he boasts an accomplished background in karate and wrestling, giving him the tools he needs to compete Saturday evening in Lewiston.

"I don’t know Steve personally, but like me, he is an old man in a young man’s sport, so I give him his due and my respect,” Lupo said.  “As the saying goes, ‘be wary of old men in a world where men die young.’"

Adding another layer of intrigue to this bout, Dr. Bang will be joined by his sons Steve Bang, Jr., Skyler Bang, and Shawn Bang on the card. Will it be a celebration or a quiet ride home for the Bang family?


3. Brandon Bushaw wants to toy with the "Ken Doll"



The featherweight scrap between Matt "Ken Doll" Denning and Brandon Bushaw is guaranteed to bring the audience to its feet.

Both high-octane fighters, Denning and Bushaw bring just the right blend of high-level experience and unbridled aggression to the cage. For Denning, the bout marks his third in just eight weeks. He went 1-1 during that stretch, so expect him to do whatever it takes to emerge above .500 against Bushaw.

It won't be an easy task. Bushaw is a high school state-champion wrestler who also competed at Michigan State University alongside former UFC light heavyweight champion Rashad Evans. His grappling chops are enough to give anyone fits inside the cage. Add in his flair for the dramatic, and things get even more enticing.

"I can’t wait to put my fist on ‘Ken Doll’s’ face, and blow him a kiss when he wakes up,” Bushaw said.

Catch the entire 16-fight card right here on FloCombat Saturday, June 18, at 7 p.m. EST.