The third All American Kickboxing event will take place at Factory One in Dexter on Saturday night.
The event is scheduled to feature 14 matches with athletes representing eight gyms around the state, including Young’s MMA of Bangor, Team Irish MMA Fitness Academy of Brewer, Huard’s Martial Arts of Winslow, Natnapa Muay Thai of Augusta, Shatterproof Combat Club of Dexter, Team Nightmare of Newport, Berserkers MMA of Rumford and Maine Isshinryu Karate Academy of Augusta.
Each match will consist of three two-minute rounds. The event will have no winners or losers, as it is not staged under the Maine Combat Sports Authority.
Doors open at 7 p.m., and the first bout is scheduled to begin at 8. The event is open to individuals 21 and older, and a $10 donation is suggested, with all proceeds from the event benefiting the Maine Veterans Project, an organization dedicated to reducing veteran suicide rates.
It is the second time that All American Kickboxing has come to Factory One. The first event took place on April 1 and featured eight matches, drawing over 200 people.
Josh Harvey (left) spars with Young’s MMA teammate, Aaron Lacey (right), during the All American Kickboxing event at Jeff’s Catering in Brewer on May 28.
The most recent event, which featured 14 bouts, took place during Memorial Day weekend at Jeff’s Catering in Brewer. Nearly 400 people were in attendance and over $1,400 was donated to the Maine Veterans Project.
“The fact that we can do what we do and help someone – a worthy cause – is great,” said Josh Harvey of Corinth.
The events are organized by Harvey, the former New England Fights amateur lightweight champion and two-time wrestling state champion at Dexter Regional High School, and MaineNightOut.com.
Harvey, who serves as the matchmaker for the kickboxing events, beat Matt Denning by submission in his professional Mixed Martial Arts debut at NEF 22 on April 23.
Several fighters who have taken part in previous All American Kickboxing events, including Harvey and his Young’s MMA teammate, Aaron Lacey, will not be fighting in the exhibitions in order to avoid the risk of injury.
Both Harvey and Lacey, along with teammates Ryan Sanders and C.J. Ewer, will be fighting in front of Dana White, the president of the Ultimate Fighting Championship and a 1987 graduate of Hermon High School, at the Cross Insurance Center’s grand ballroom on Aug. 5.
White, who owns a home in Levant, will be in Bangor to film an episode of the Internet reality show, “Dana White: Lookin’ for a Fight.” The show centers on the travel of White and his friends as they try to find athletes to sign to UFC contracts.
“I didn’t expect it this fast. I knew it was going to happen,” said Harvey. “I was hoping to be moving towards my fourth or fifth pro fight.”
“Just fighting in front of him [White], being on his radar, having him watch me fight and knowing I’m from the area – I think that’ll play in my favor,” added Harvey. “Whether or not I get signed – we’ll see. I’m going to end up wherever I’m supposed to be, whatever level that is.”
Bruce Boyington, who took on Maine Veterans Project president, Shawn “Doc” Goodwin, at the Brewer kickboxing event, will also not be competing in the kickboxing exhibitions because of an upcoming match. The 37-year-old will take his 14-8 professional record to Penza, Russia, to fight 16-4 Musa Khamanaev in the main event of Absolut Championship Berkut 42 on Aug. 20.
Boyington has five straight victories, the most recent coming on June 17 by split decision in a nationally televised event against Saul Almeida at World Series of Fighting 31.
Derek Shorey, a New England Fights professional and member of Shatterproof Combat Club, is scheduled to take part in the kickboxing event, along with many experienced amateur fighters. The event also gives new fighters a chance to compete in front of smaller crowds.
“We have a lot of experienced martial artists, and we also have a lot of guys just getting started,” said Harvey. “For a lot of these guys, this is their first time competing in any kind of combat sports. If you follow them, and they’re from your local area, you’re going to see their progression from the start.”
“I hope that the show does well and goes along smoothly,” added Harvey.
Harvey will have tickets for the “Dana White: Lookin’ for a Fight” event available for purchase at the kickboxing exhibitions on Saturday.
