NEF recently announced that it will be back in Portland, Maine on Saturday, July 8, with its summer card gracing hiTickets to “NEF 53” are available now at www.porttix.com.storic, picturesque Merrill Auditorium for only the second time.

Jesse Erickson (11-9) and Mohammad Al Kinani (5-2) will square off in the main event.

Erickson, who handed Josh Harvey the first loss of his pro career at Merrill back in February 2020, hopes to add another signature win.

“Mo’s the kind of fighter I want to test myself against, who will challenge me and bring the best out of me,” Erickson said.

Al Kinani will fight for the eighth time in 17 months since turning pro. He lost by TKO to UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) veteran Peter Barrett in his most recent outing.

“Jesse’s a good guy. I expect a tough fight,” Al Kinani said. “I’ve grown up watching his game. I can’t fucking wait.”

Tickets to “NEF 53” are available now at www.porttix.com.