Julio Pena (Photo Credit: Bennie Palmore)

By Lion Fight (via press release)

LAS VEGAS – Lion Fight Promotions today officially announced the signing of Julio Pena, Boston deputy sheriff and professional Muay Thai fighter, to an exclusive multi-fight contract. Pena joins the roster of fighters exclusive to Lion Fight, the largest and most active Muay Thai promotion in the world, including Kevin Ross, Malaipet, Ogden Topic, Tiffany Van Soest, Gaston Bolanos, Nick Chasteen, Jason Andrada, Tim Amorim and Chris Evans.

Boston Herald sports writer, Jack Encarnacao, was the first to report Pena’s signing in the Sunday, April 26th newspaper.

Said Lion Fight CEO Scott Kent, “Julio Pena is a force to reckon with in this sport, he brings his A-game to everyone of his fights and has wowed fans with his knockout performances. With his last showing at Lion Fight 20, it is safe to say he is yet another tough as nails fighter to rise out of Boston. Our fans love him, and we are proud to have him among our roster of professional athletes.”

“It is amazing to compete in Lion Fight,” said Pena. “It is the number one Muay Thai promotion in the world – I get to step in the same ring as Yodsanklai Fairtex, Kevin Ross and Tiffany ‘Timebomb’ Van Soest, just to name a few. Scott Kent is doing great things with Muay Thai in America and he and his staff are awesome to work with. I’m excited with this opportunity and look forward to making Boston proud.”

Pena, 36 years old, works in Boston as a deputy sheriff and also teaches defensive tactics, verbal judo and hand-to-hand combat to his fellow officers. He made his pro debut at LION FIGHT 19 in November 2014, defeating Matt Doherty via unanimous decision. He followed that up with a first round KO over Tom Evans at LION FIGHT 20 in February 2015. A native of Jamaica Plain, Pena trains out of the Hard Knocks Gym in Hyde Park. Lion Fight will announce his next fight in the near future.

Next up on the promotion’s busy schedule is LION FIGHT 22: KEM vs. SMOKIN’ JO Friday, May 22 live from the Outdoor Amphitheater at Sunset Station in Las Vegas. Tickets for LION FIGHT 22 are available through Ticketmaster.com. Tickets are also available online atsclv.com, or any Station Casino or Fiesta Property (additional fees may apply). Doors open at 4:30 p.m. First bout is at 5 p.m.