About this Event
Forge Fight League: Fight the Silence is a free foundation showcase uniting combat sports, live music, and community healing to raise awareness for mental health and suicide prevention. Presented by the Daequan Winbush Foundation, this event brings together athletes, artists, and local vendors for a powerful night rooted in strength, creativity, and unity.
Admission: Free to the public
Date: February 21, 2026
Location: Bishop Leo E. O’Neil Youth Center — 30 South Elm Street, Manchester, NH 03103
Streaming: Free live on Forge+
🥊 Fight Card (so far)
Mike Jones Jr. vs Malachi “The Messenger” Pease — Boxing Exhibition
Ian “Metal Boots” Myers vs Jay “Little Dawg” Carroll — Kickboxing Exhibition
Additional amateur boxing bouts (TBA)
🎤 Live Performances
Clean hip-hop performances between bouts (no explicit lyrics)
Poetry and spoken-word segments
Closing unity moment with all fighters and artists on stage
🧠 About the Foundation
The Daequan Winbush Foundation is dedicated to mental-health awareness and suicide prevention, with a focus on young adults and athletes. Fight the Silence transforms the ring and stage into platforms for expression, resilience, and connection — reminding the community that no one fights alone.
⚙️ Important Details
USA Boxing registration pending
Kickboxing oversight in progress with the NH Boxing & Wrestling Commission
Open fighter slots available (3 amateur boxing exhibitions)
Seeking 4 clean music artists
Vendors welcome — limited spaces available
💬 How to Get Involved
Apply through the FFL Base44 App.
Vendor and artist RSVPs can also be submitted directly through Eventbrite under Vendor/Artist Interest.
Optional donations support the Daequan Winbush Foundation’s community programs.
Agenda
🕑: 05:30 PM
Doors Open
Info: Guests arrive. Live DJ spins mellow hip-hop instrumentals. Vendors set up. Donation QR codes available.
🕑: 06:00 PM
Opening Remarks & National Anthem
Info: Welcome from the Daequan Winbush Foundation and Forge Fight League.
🕑: 06:10 PM
Artist 1 – Hip-Hop Opener
Info: High-energy performance to start the night.
🕑: 06:25 PM
Fight 1 – Boxing Exhibition (Lightweight)
Info: 3 x 2-minute rounds under exhibition rules.
🕑: 06:45 PM
Artist 2 – Mid-Card Music Set
Info: High-energy performance
🕑: 06:55 PM
Fight 2 – Boxing Exhibition (Middleweight)
Info: Technical showcase emphasizing skill and control.
🕑: 07:15 PM
Artist 3 – Feature Performance
Info: Crowd engagement set before the co-main fight.
🕑: 07:25 PM
Fight 3 – Boxing Exhibition (Featured Bout)
Info: Mike Jones Jr. vs Malachi “The Messenger” Pease.
🕑: 07:50 PM
Artist 4 – Headliner Performance
Info: Main-stage musical performance before the main event.
🕑: 08:25 PM
Main Event – Kickboxing Exhibition
Info: Ian “Metal Boots” Myers vs Jay “Little Dawg” Carroll — 3 x 2-minute rounds.
🕑: 08:55 PM
Foundation Closing & Unity Moment
Info: All fighters and artists take the stage together.
🕑: 09:00 PM
Event Ends
Info: Forge+ wrap-up interviews, sponsor shoutouts, and post-show coverage.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Bishop Leo E. O’Neil Youth Center, 30 South Elm Street, Manchester, United States
USD 0.00 to USD 87.21
