SALEM, New Hampshire (September 12, 2009) – Red-hot lightweight prospect Calvin “The Boston Finisher” Kattar may not have lived up to his nickname last night, but he captured the NABC MMA East Coast lightweight title by going the distance for the first time in his young pro career, winning a 5-round decision against Andrew “New York State of Mind” Montanez in the American Steel Cagefighting (ASC) main event at the Icenter in Salem, New Hampshire.
ASC 2 was presented in association with the Icenter and Bellabance Beverage of Nashua (NH), at the Icenter in Salem, New Hampshire.
Kattar (8-1-0), fighting out of Methuen (MA), came out strong, as expected, but Montanez withstood the storm, even winning the opening round on the judges’ scorecards, and ended-up living up to his reputation as a survivor.
Kattar, who had won by knockout or submission in the opening round of each of his previous seven pro wins, won a unanimous 5-round decision for the title.
“It was a great show and a great main event,” promoter Sal LoNano said. “Calvin had a tough fight. I knew it was going to be an exciting fight. I had spent a lot of time with Calvin and knew he was in great shape and I’d heard that Montanez was in top condition, too. Calvin had the advantage after the first round but Montanez came to fight. I’m very, very proud of what ASC has done. We put on great shows and showcased a lot of local talent. Calvin Kattar is one of the best young fighters on the East Coast. I believe he’s going places in this business.”
Underground fighter Tyson “Psycho” Akl’s pro debut didn’t have a storybook ending. Fighting out of Salem, the local favorite tapped out from a solid Colin Schrader (2-0-0) arm bar at the end of the first round.
Also on the card, Eric Henry (9-6-0) upset veteran Doug Gordon (10-8-0) via a technical knockout late in the third and final round, Kenny Foster (3-1-0) submitted Travis Lercehen (4-6-0) early in in the second round.
In a pair of amateur matches, Neil Woodworth (2-0-0) defeated Eric Sunday (1-1-0) by third-round submission, while Jason Earl (1-1-0) stopped John Fiore(0-1-0) in the first round.
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.
