Kattar fighting for MMA Title on 9/11 American Steel Cagefighting show Icenter in Salem, New Hampshire

Posted on | August 20, 2009 | No Comments

SALEM, New Hampshire (August 20, 2009) – The Boston-New York City sports rivalry enters the cage Friday night, September 11 as American Steel Cagefighting (ASC) presents, in association with the Icenter and Bellabance Beverage of Nashua (NH), its second mixed martial arts show, featuring a pair of NABC MMA East Coast Championship fights, at the Icenter in Salem, New Hampshire.

Hot, popular prospect Calvin “The Boston Finisher” Kattar (7-0-1) takes on Andrew “New York State of Mind” Montanez (7-10-1) for the vacant NABC MMA East Coast lightweight title (155 lbs.) in the 5-round main event.

Kattar, who now lives in Andover, is a natural athlete and former wrestling star at Methuen High. He took a break from college after one semester and realized he missed the competition he had from wrestling. After watching his sister’s friend, Dave George, in an MMA fight, Calvin immediately decided that he wanted to be an MMA fighter and did so. Now based out of Premier Martial Arts in Derry (NH), Kattar made his pro MMA debut after only six months of training, and now he’s one of the top MMA prospects on the East Coast.

Despite his strong wrestling background, Calvin would prefer to stay on his feet and strike. “I remember feeling after a loss in high school that, if I could have punched my opponent in the face,” Kattar explained, “I would have won. This sport allows me to do that. I prefer to fight on my feet, but I’ve gone to the ground twice, and won by both times by submission.”

“Calvin has the heart, dedication to training and determination to be a world champion,” promoter Sal LoNano, of Tewksbury, commented. “He is the top fighter, MMA or boxing, in the Merrimack Valley area, arguably the best MMA prospect in New England, possibly on the entire East Coast. He can really put on a show. Having him in the main event on our Sept. 11th show is huge for our new company. Calvin Kattar has the whole package to go to the top of the MMA world.”

The 5-round co-main event is an unusual match between two undefeated prospects, Mike Geurin (5-0-0) and Lorenzo Hood (5-0-0), for the vacant NABC MMA East Coast middleweight crown. Geurin-Hood doesn’t figure to go the distance. Geurin has three wins by knockout among his five victories, while the power-striking Hood has stopped all five of his opponents in the opening round.

“We’re excited to be hosting fights in our second show for the first two NABC MMA East Coast titles,” LoNano added. “Both are going to be tough fights. We’re building out promotional company and our goal is to groom fighters to move up to the UFC. We’re showcasing talent, especially New England fighters, so the UFC will recognize them.”

Hometown favorite Tyson “Psycho” Akl, fighting out of Salem (NH), makes his pro debut against middleweight Collin Schrader (1-0-0), while popular welterweight Doug “Flash” Gordon (10-7-0), winner of ASC’s main event fight July 31st at the Icenter, returns to meet Ralph Johnson (2-0-0) in the cage.

Also scheduled to fight on the ASC card against opponents to be determined are unbeaten New York lightweight Pat Audinwood (8-0-1), Worcester featherweight Evan Parker (1-0-0), Manchester welterweight Adam “Lonewolf” McQuaid (1-0-0), and pro debuting Methuen middleweight James Quinlin.

All fights and fighters are subject to change. Doors open at 6 PM, first fight at 8 PM.

Tickets, priced at $30.00, $50.00, $60.00, $75.00, and $100.00, are available to purchase at the Icenter in Salem, New Hampshire (603.893.4448/info@the-icenter.com.)

American Steel Cagefighting

ASC is owned and operated by Sal LoNano, former professional boxing promoter and manager whose S & L Boxing guided the careers of world-class professional boxers “Irish” Micky Ward and Paulie “Magic Man” Malignaggi, former world light welterweight champion. Gary Marino is the ASC matchmaker, while Bob Moglia serves as its Director of Business Development.

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