The co-main event of next week’s New England Fights (NEF) 23 fight card in Hyannis, Massachusetts will be a rematch as Derek Shorey looks to even up the score against Matt Denning.
The fight booking was announced by NEF officials on Friday.
NEF 23 will come from the Hyannis Youth & Community Center in Hyannis, Massachusetts and will be headlined by Brendan Battles making his pro debut against Mike Hansen in a heavyweight bout.
“It’s one of those fights we always get asked whether there will be a rematch,” stated NEF co-owner and matchmaker Matt Peterson. “This will finally prove, once and for all, whether Matt Denning got lucky coming up with that armbar that night. Whatever you do, don’t blink! These two guys are finishers. Whatever the outcome, it’s not going to the judges. Someone’s getting knocked out or submitted in this one.”
The initial meeting between Shorey and Denning took place in late 2014 as Denning won by submission in the first round. Both fighters are entering this fight following submission defeats at NEF 22 last month as Shorey lost to Aaron Lacey and Denning was defeated by Josh Harvey.
“It was a short notice fight that NEF asked for, and I know Derek wanted a rematch,” said Denning. “After I beat him again, I’ll prove it wasn’t a fluke. I wanted this fight so I could get some new fans in Massachusetts and show my skills. I have had two losses in a row to great guys and want to get back in the win column.”
The current NEF 23 fight card is below.
Brendan Battles (0-0) vs. Mike Hansen (4-3)
Derek Shorey (3-6) vs. Matt Denning (2-2)
Crowsneck Boutin (1-2) vs. Ruben Redman (0-0)
Dustin Veinott (4-4) vs. Ryan Kane (4-3)
Angela Young (1-1) vs. Kylie O’Hearn (0-0)
Victor Irwin (1-0) vs. Tracey Schryba (0-0)
Ed Forlenza (0-0) vs. Frank Johanson (0-1)
Steve Bang (3-4) vs. Fabian Miranda (2-0)
Anthony Spires (0-1) vs. Thomas Lee Davis (1-0)