Former NEF amateur flyweight champion Nate Boucher makes his Professional debut at NEF 42. There, he faces Chris Caterino at a catchweight of 140lbs. The card takes place February 8 in Portland, Maine.
Nate was originally slated to fight Norman Fox at 130lbs, but Fox withdrew for undisclosed reasons. Although Boucher is still excited to face Caterino in his debut, there is some disappointment as well after Fox had some pre-fight trash talk that fired the former champion up. “I am pretty upset that I didn’t get to share the cage with Norman, I was looking forward to that one,” he told us recently. “There has not been many of my fights where there was any trash talk and I like shutting people like that up.” Boucher went on to explain why this fight with Caterino is better for him. “I personally think it’s a step up in competition so I think it will be much more of an impressive fight.”
Boucher explained that the respectful thing to do (regarding his new opponent taking the fight) on short notice is to give an extra 5 pounds to his opponent, hence the 140 pound bout. This did not bother Nate much as he explained that “When I found out I definitely enjoyed a steak and baked potato that night.”
Nate also discussed what winning the amateur flyweight belt for NEF meant to him and for his confidence. “That feeling was long overdue. The way I see it [winning the belt] was just a formality part of it. I still strongly believe I won the fight against Justin Witham”.
The Witham fight came in 2017, and had been for the then-vacant amateur flyweight title. Two years later, his second shot at gold had a much different outcome.
The CMBJJ product explained how he has been evolving since we last saw him inside the cage. “I’ve spent a lot of time absorbing and studying different techniques, I’m definitely excited to come in on the 8th and show my transition from amateur to professional,” he said.
As far as the fight with Chris Caterino goes, Boucher feels extremely confident. “I can say it all day and it shows time and time again, that my takedowns can’t be stopped.” Nate went on to explain why he believes he will be victorious come fight night. “I don’t think he will be able to maintain my pace or handle the pressure I give off. I have a very intense wrestling [with a] unique style. I think it’s gonna be a very grind-it-out first round, and I’ll catch him in the second.”
So what is next for Nate Boucher? He is getting ready to have his first child, expected in late March and the NEF standout anticipates taking some time off to be a Father. “Kelsey Mae Boucher will be introduced to the world on March 22nd, I’m definitely gonna focus on family after this fight.”
Check out the full chat with Nate Boucher below!
