Everson-Weatherby Headlines American Steel Cagefighting MMA Debut Show

-- Bob Trieger

July 31 at Icenter in Salem, New Hampshire

SALEM, New Hampshire (June 15, 2009) – American Steel Cagefighting makes its professional mixed-martial-arts promotional debut July 31 with an explosive 10-fight card scheduled at the Icenter in Salem, New Hampshire.

The main event pits Lance Everson (11-6-0), fighting out of Mansfield (MA) for The Boneyard, against U.S. Navy veteran Woody Weatherby (7-1-0), of Nashua (NH), representing Reno Gracie NH.

“I’ve been an MMA fan since UFC1,” co-promoter Dave Garofalo said. “New England is becoming a hot bed for MMA with a lot of young, talented fighters. We’re giving them an opportunity to fight on a professional show in front of passionate MMA fans. I’ve been in the promotional business most of my life and I love MMA like a lot of people I know. I’m happy we have one of the best MMA matchmakers in the business, Gary Marino, who is an encyclopedia of MMA.”

The co-feature matches IFL veteran Nate “The Future” Lamotte (10-4-0), of Manchester (NH), and dangerous Doug “Flash” Gordon (9-7-0). The Super Fight is between super heavyweights who both fought in the UFC, veteran Kevin “The Shamnan” Jordan (11-8-0) and pioneer Patrick Smith (16-13-0).

“Back in 1999,” co-promoter Sal LoNano added,” I promoted a boxing show on ESPN at the Icenter. I always wanted to go back there but it never happened. When I partnered with David to form American Steel Cagefighting, the first thing we did was contact the Icenter to have our first show there. We’re all very excited and we hope that the Icenter will become a home-base for ASC. MMA is the fastest growing sport in the country and I’ve left boxing for good to promote MMA shows with David. We’d like to thank the state of New Hampshire, Commissioner Bobby Stephen and his staff for their assistance.”

Also scheduled to fight on the ASC card is unbeaten New York lightweight Pat Audinwood (7-0-0) vs. “Mr. Big” Al Buck (6-7-0), former Cage Fury Fighting champion; lightweight Damien “The Omen” Trites (2-3-0) vs. Joe Dechaves (3-1-0); pro debuting featherweights Al Germain Sterling vs. Albert Reccio; welterweight Carlos Nieves (3-6-0) vs. Ryan Schieding (3-1-0); Worcester featherweight Evan Parker (1-0-0), Boston welterweight Aaron McKenna in his pro debut, and Boston middleweight John Clark (7-2-0) against opponents to be determined.

All fights are scheduled for three, three-minute rounds; fighters and fights are subject to change. Tickets, priced at $50.00, $75.00, and $100.00, are available to purchase at Stateline Ticket Agency in Salem (NH) and all Two Guys Smoke Shop stores in Salem, Nashua and Seabrook (NH), as well as by calling toll free 888.224.4272 or going on line to www.AmericanSteelCagefighting.com.

Doors open at 6 PM, first fight at 8 PM. Go to www.AmericanSteelCagefighting.com for additional information.

American Steel Cage Fighting

ASC is co-owned by David Garofalo and Sal LoNano. Garofalo is the proprietor of Two Guys Smoke Shop, in Salem (NH), one of the world’s highest volume independently owned cigar retailer. LoNano, who managed professional boxers “Irish” Micky Ward and former world light welterweight champion Paulie “Magic Man” Malignaggi, owns S & L Boxing, which has promoted numerous nationally televised pro boxing shows. Gary Marino is the ASC matchmaker.