Fighting fire with his fists: Shorey returns to cage to help family

Derek “Shatterproof” Shorey had planned to take some time off from the mixed martial arts wars after a loss to Josh Parker last November.

But family matters have prompted the head of the Dexter-based Shatterproof Combat Club to return to the cage on April 29 as part of a New England Fights card at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston.

The sudden urgency for his return to action came in the aftermath of a recent two-alarm fire in Somersworth, N.H., that put four of his children and their mother out of their home.

“I wasn’t planning on fighting this soon,” said Shorey, “but when something like this happens, we do what we can. I asked Matt [Peterson, NEF co-owner and matchmaker] for a fight to try and get some money to help rebuild after the fire and as fate would have it, a spot opened up.”

That opening will match Shorey (4-8) against the debuting Rob “The Beast” Best in a three-round pro featherweight clash at NEF 28. Best’s original opponent dropped out due to medical reasons.

“Derek Shorey has shown no fear in his fight career,” said Peterson. “His fights are always exciting and he’s executed some of the most dynamic wrestling throws of all time inside the NEF cage. While he hasn’t always found victory in his bouts, he always puts on a show and brings the fight. He’s always had the courage to go up against the best and he’s saved more than a couple of bouts over the years by being willing to step in on short notice to replace fighters that pulled out.”

In addition to Shorey’s personal fundraising efforts, Peterson said New England Fights will hold a 50-50 raffle at the show to benefit the family and is considering other possible fundraising options.

A Gofundme campaign also has been established for the family at www.gofundme.com/15summerst/.

“Derek has fought for NEF for a long time and we’re hoping that fans will join us in rallying around him and his family during this difficult time,” said Peterson.