Bud Mench Media Group -BMMG's Posts (3394)
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All meetings with an (*) indicate a public meeting
Monday, March 12th, 2018
*Commission on Disabilities, New Haven City Hall, 165 Church Street, 2nd Floor Atrium, Meeting Room 2 5:15 p.m.
*Elm City Cycling, New Haven City Hall, 165 Church Street, 2nd Floor Atrium, Meeting Room 3, 6:00 p.m.
*New Haven Bicycle Club, New Haven City Hall, 165 Church Street, 2nd Floor Atrium, Meeting Room 1, 7:00 p.m.
*Board of Alders, Finance Committee, New Haven City Hall, 165 Church Street, 2nd Floor Atrium
Aldermanic Chamber 6:00 p.m., (203) 946-6045
Tuesday, March 13th, 2018
New Haven Development Commission, New Haven City Hall, 165 Church Street, 2nd Floor Atrium,
Meeting Room 3, 8:00 a.m., (203) 946-5761
*Board of Alders, Legislation Committee, New Haven City Hall, 165 Church Street, 2nd Floor Atrium
Aldermanic Chamber, 6:00 p.m., (203) 946-7288
*Bereavement Care Network, New Haven City Hall, 165 Church Street, 2nd Floor Atrium, Meeting Room 1
5:30 p.m., (203) 824-1581
Wednesday, March 14th, 2018
*Board of Alders, Black & Hispanic Caucus, New Haven City Hall, 165 Church Street, 2nd Floor Atrium
Meeting Room 3, 6:00 p.m. (203) 946-8371
*CEO, New Haven City Hall, 165 Church Street, 2nd Floor, CSA’s Conference Room – 288 Annex, 6:00 p.m.
(203) 946-7686
*GNH Toastmasters, New Haven City Hall, 165 Church Street, 2nd Floor Atrium, Meeting Room 1, 6:30 p.m.
(203) 848-7039
NH Historic District Commission, New Haven City Hall, 165 Church Street, 2nd Floor Atrium, Meeting Room 2
6:30 p.m., (203) 946-8237
Thursday, March 15th, 2018
National Veterans Council, New Haven City Hall, 165 Church Street, 2nd Floor Atrium, Meeting Rooms 1 & 2
6:00 p.m.
Friday, March 16th, 2018
Solar Youth Inc., New Haven City Hall, 165 Church Street, 2nd Floor Atrium, Meeting Room 1, 3:00 p.m.
(860) 478-7800
Monday, March 19th, 2018
*Board of Alders-Democratic Caucus, New Haven City Hall, 165 Church Street, 2nd Floor Atrium, Meeting Room 3. 5:45 p.m.; Public Information Caucus, New Haven City Hall, 165 Church Street, 2nd Floor Atrium, Meeting Room 1, 6:30 p.m.; Full Board Meeting, New Haven City Hall, 165 Church Street, 2nd Floor Atrium, Aldermanic Chamber,
7:00 p.m., (203) 946-6483
2 Emergency Parking Bans go into effect at noon on Wednesday. The first is a citywide residential parking ban allowing parking on the even side only in residential areas. That ban will end on Friday morning at 8:00 AM. The second is a Downtown parking that begins Wednesday at Noon and ends Thursday at Noon. Temple St. and Granite Sq. garages are both open for $3.00 during the storm. In both Parking Bans there is no parking on any posted snow emergency route or 25 feet from any intersection, bus stop, or fire hydrant. Ticketing and/or Towing will be enforced.
From Kalamazoo to St. Louis to Boise to Savannah, U.S. Small Businesses traveled to Menlo Park for the announcement of the newest members to Facebook’s 5th annual Small Business Council. The Facebook Small Business Council was launched in 2014 with a mission dedicated to helping all businesses grow. Comprised of over 70+ members across the United States, the council includes a variety of different businesses that range in type, size, experience level and location.
Kovalev vs. Mikhalkin
Photo Credit: David Spagnolo, Main Events
Despite their friendship, there was no love lost between Russian countrymen as Kovalev made Mikhalkin feel the heat from the opening bell. Through the first six rounds, Kovalev out landed Mikhalkin 145 to 25 punches, according to CompuBox.
Nevertheless, Mikhalkin is a world champion, and stayed in Kovalev's face. A cut opened below Mikhalkin's right eye, and as Kovalev continued to punish him, referee Steve Willis stepped in to have the ringside physician examine Mikhalkin. He determined Mikhalkin could not continue, delivering a TKO victory to Kovalev at 2:25 of the seventh round.
"It was better work for sure than the last fight," said Kovalev of his win over Mikhalkin. "This might maybe have looked easy, but it definitely was not. He doesn't hit the hardest, but I could feel his punches and he has a lot of movement and he is a great boxer."
New York, NY: Sergey "Krusher" Kovalev (32-2-1, 28 KOs) of Russia delivered another trademark crushing performance with a seventh round stoppage of Igor Mikhalkin(21-2, 9 KOs) of Russia at The Theater at Madison Square Garden to retain his WBO World Light Heavyweight Championship.
Photo Credit: David Spagnolo, Main Events
Asked about what's coming next, Kovalev said "I'm always ready for a big money fight ... I read on the internet that the Badou Jack fight would be a big fight - if he beats (Adonis) Stevenson." As to the potential of a third fight with the now retired Andre Ward, Kovalev said, "I don't think about this right now. I want to fight the fights that the fans want to see. For you, for myself, because I love boxing."
Photo Credit: David Spagnolo, Main Events
In the exciting co-feature, WBA Light Heavyweight Champion Dmitry Bivol (13-0, 11 KOs) of Russia battled Sullivan Barrera (21-2, 14 KOs) of Guantanamo Bay, Cuba down to the final round before scoring a TKO victory at 1:41 of the twelfth.
Bivol found a home for his powerful right hand at several points throughout the bout, but the resilient and dangerous veteran fighter Barrera stayed competitive until the moment he could not continue. At the time of the stoppage, all three judges' scorecards were overwhelmingly in favor of Bivol.
"He was a really great opponent," said Bivol. "Sullivan Barrera showed me a lot of things tonight I need to work on when I go back to the gym. So thank you, Sullivan, for that."
Bivol said he held some of his effort in reserve until he felt confident. "As a matter of fact for the first few rounds, I was a little bit reserved while planning the rest of the fight. I was thinking how much I needed to go the rest of the fight. But by the 12th round, I knew I could knock him out. I stepped on the gas, and the knockout came."
Photo Credit: David Spagnolo, Main Events
As to his future, "I've got the goods to be the best light heavyweight in the world, but I've got a lot of work to do to be the best in the division. I have to fight the best in the division and prove I'm the best," said Bivol. As to who it might be, Bivol said, "You can be the best only when you fight the best. I'm not going to attack anybody. I have a belt, whoever wants it can come and get it."
Photo Credit: David Spagnolo, Main Events
The tough middleweights traded to the body from early in the bout. Alexander snapped Lee's head with shots, but due credit to the local favorite for hanging tough. "It was good to put in the rounds. I got the victory, I'm looking forward to fighting again."
The 32-year-old Alexander picked up his career where he left off after serving an 11-year prison sentence. "It was good to be here as a more mature, experienced fighter."
Photo Credit: David Spagnolo, Main Events
Brooklyn's own Frank "Notorious" Galarza (19-2-2, 11 KOs) battled a determined Norberto Gonzalez (24-11, 14 KOs) of Monterrey, Mexico in an eight-round junior middleweight contest. The local hero delivered a unanimous decision victory by scores of 80-72, 79-73, and 78-74.
Galarza, 32, traded shots with Gonzalez, but was in control of the action and directed the path of the fight throughout as his devoted fans cheered him on. The veteran Mexican, 36, took the fight on short notice and acquitted himself well with his effort.
"We knew we would get the rounds in. We knew he was a counterpuncher, so we utilized that," said Galarza. "I was able to show my ability, my boxing ability, my ring intellect, being smart in the ring. Compared to my last fight, overall we brought a lot more to the table."
Galarza thanked all the fans who came to The Garden to see him.
"I love my fans, they always come and support, that's the beauty of it. Ain't no better place to be, Madison Square Garden, that's where all the classics are, all the greats."
Photo Credit: David Spagnolo, Main Events
Bakhram Murtazaliev (12-0, 10 KOs) of Grozny, Russia extended his knockout streak to eight, stopping Kenneth McNeil (11-4, 8 KOs) of Birmingham, Alabama, in the first defense of the IBA Super Welterweight World Title he won at The Garden in November. Murtazaliev let out a roar of satisfaction as referee Danny Schiavone halted the contest at 1:08 of the fifth round.
"I imagined the fight would go a little bit differently," said Murtazaliev. "My opponent didn't fight, he was running all around, always running. With an opponent like this, it's super hard to fight." Trainer Abror Tursunpulatov had confidence his fighter would prevail. "We knew Bakhram was going to win by KO or TKO in the last rounds."
"For all my team, Egis (Klimas), for Kathy Duva, for all the team, they helped me a lot. My goal is to make you happy, every fight," added Murtazaliev.
McNeil had never been stopped before, giving Murtazaliev, 25, the most significant test of his career to date. It was the Russian's third fight under both the Krusher Promotions and Main Events banners.
Photo Credit: David Spagnolo, Main Events
Meiirim "The Sultan" Nursultanov (6-0, 5 KOs) worked hard to stop a tough Alejandro Torres (9-4-2, 4 KOs) of Monterrey, Mexico at 1:55 of the sixth round in front of a robust cheering section at The Garden of his enthusiastic Kazakh fans. He has now stopped his last four opponents.
"The Mexican offense is very different style, this Mexican Style for me," said Nursultanov of Torres. "My training camp was very good, I sparred many different guys" in preparation for Torres.
Photo Credit: David Spagnolo, Main Events
Cassius Chaney(12-0, 6 KOs) of Baltimore delivered the big heavyweight show he promised, stopping Tim Washington(6-6, 6 KOs) of Toledo, Ohio at 1:28 of the second round to remain undefeated.
"It was a good fight, he's a big strong guy," said Chaney. "I did what I had to do to win. I'm happy that Main Events allowed me to fight here at MSG and I'm glad I put on a show. I trained hard and I'm ready to get back in the ring." Roy Jones, Junior congratulated Chaney backstage on his win.
Chaney, 30, the former standout NCAA basketball player at the University of New Haven, is working with new trainer Calvin Ford, the inspiration for the character "Cutty" in the popular TV series "The Wire."
After going to the scorecards due to an accidental headbutt after five rounds, Alexey Evchenko (16-10-1, 6 KOs) of Chelyabinsk, Russia won his American debut in a unanimous decision over Khiary Gray-Pitts (15-4, 11 KOs) of Worcester, Massachusetts in what was a scheduled eight-round welterweight fight. All scorecards read 48-47 at the time of the stoppage.
Evchenko, 34, made a solid introduction to American fans with his seventh straight victory.
Photo Credit: David Spagnolo, Main Events
Middleweight Leshawn "Lightning" Rodriguez (9-0, 7 KOs) remained undefeated, winning by unanimous decision over Martez Jackson (4-3-2, 2 KOs) in six rounds. All three judges scored it 58-56.
Rodriguez, 24, of Shirley, New York, enjoys a strong fan base in New York going back to his accomplished amateur career. Since his pro debut, he continues to generate fan interest thanks to his take-no-prisoners, hard-hitting style. Jackson, 34, from Atlanta, Georgia, presented Rodriguez his toughest test to date, having never been stopped.
" Photo Credit: David Spagnolo, Main Events
Madiyar Ashkeyev (9-0, 5 KOs) of Merki, Kazakhstan made it a brief appearance in the ring after being out over a year due to injury. He stopped Jose Antonio Abreu (13-4, 8 KOs) of La Romana, Dominican Republic at 1:52 of the first round.
Ashkeyev, 29, an accomplished amateur now training in Oxnard at the Boxing Laboratory under the guidance of Marco Contreras, faced a dangerous opponent in Abreu, who was in a must-win situation after two straight defeats. Although Abreu beat the count of referee Johnny Callas, Callas stopped the bout.
As his fans waived the Kazakh flag, Ashkeyev said, "Yes, thank you all everybody. I'm happy, I missed this fight (due to injury in November), my last fight was one year ago. I hope next time I will have a big show."
Photo Credit: David Spagnolo, Main Events
Opening the evening, two-time NY Daily News Golden Gloves Champion Ismael Villarreal(2-0) from the Bronx, New York remained undefeated with a unanimous decision over against Anthony Woods(1-7) of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. All three judges gave Villarreal the shutout on the scorecards for the four-round super middleweight contest, 40-36.
Using a more diversified attack including increased bodywork, Villarreal said after the fight, "I'm happy to come out safe and sound" after fighting Woods, 31, who has never been stopped.
Villarreal, 20, son of former super lightweight fighter Otilio Villarreal, is quickly gaining fans and making a name for himself despite also carrying a full course load at Brooklyn Community College.
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About March 3: The Saturday, March 3 main event between Sergey "Krusher" Kovalev and Igor Mikhalkin is a 12-round match-up for the WBO Light Heavyweight World Title at the Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The co-main event features WBA Light Heavyweight World Champion Dmitry Bivol versus Sullivan Barrera in a 12-round title fight. Tickets range from $50 to $300 and are available online at TicketMaster.com and at the Madison Square Garden box office. The event is promoted by Main Events, Krusher Promotions and World of Boxing in association with EC Box Promotions, is sponsored by Medoff Vodka and Leon.ru and will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing® beginning at 10:05 p.m. ET/P
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March 3, 2018,
CIAA 2018 Update
The goal of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department during the week of the CIAA Tournament is to maintain a safe environment in the center city for event participants to attend.
Event operations are being coordinated from the CMPD command center. This evening the command center was operational from 6:00 p.m. through 3:00 a.m.
There were no major incidents reported in the center city or with any major venue associated with the CIAA Tournament.
- There were a total of 5 adult arrests in the center city area recorded between the hours of 6:00 p.m. on Friday March 2, 2018 and 3:00 a.m. on March 3rd 2018
http://www.ciaatournament.org/
27 February, 2018 – UNTIMELY DEATH INVESTIGATION
At 12:14 AM, Officers and EMTs were dispatched to 106 Ivy Street to investigate a reported stabbing. The person stabbed was Stanley Maurice McLellan (9-14-1966). He was found motionless in the front yard – having suffered a stab wound to the head. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Police learned there had been a fight between McLellan and another man who was visiting the Ivy Street home. During the fight, McLellan was stabbed.
The man involved remained at the scene and has cooperated with investigators. He was interviewed and released uncharged. The weapon likely used was recovered.
- The investigation remains open
New Haven |On Wednesday, 21 February, New Haven Police were dispatched to Yale New Haven Hospital regarding a theft from an automobile. The victim, thirty-eight year old, Ramzi Musallam, a visitor from Dupont, Pennsylvania, reported he’d left his red Cadillac with the Towne Park Valet Service at 904 Howard Avenue, a day earlier.
When he retrieved it, he claimed over seventy-three thousand dollars in jewels, cash, electronics and religious items had been stolen.
The victim reported several stolen items including his house keys, checks from Summerset Bank with the account name “Flight 93 Memorial Church Complex Foundation Inc.”, a black HP computer valued at approximately $1,000, a white iPad Pro valued at $800, a Pectoral Cross made out of 21k gold valued at approximately $14,000, a 21k gold Golbean valued at $700, a gold Crozier staff valued at $7,000, a 21k gold Bishop’s ring with an amethyst stone valued at $12,000, a black PlayStation 4 with six unknown games valued at $350, a chalice and paten set valued at $15,000, an 18k gold chain and cross valued at approximately $500, a Bishop's Vestment valued at $6,500, a Bishop`s Crown valued at $4,500, a blessing cross valued at $300, a black wheeled Samsonite suitcase containing church documents valued at $350, and a black Nintendo Switch with the game "Sweepy" valued at $360.
The victim reported that he’d locked the glove compartment prior to handing over the car. From there, he said nine thousand dollars in cash, a First National Bank credit card, a Summerset Trust credit card and a Visa Platinum
credit card were also stolen. He claims the thief missed the thirty-thousand dollars’ worth of jewels he’d left in the trunk.
The vehicle had been moved from the lot prior to the police being called. Detectives from the department’s Bureau of Identification responded to process it for fingerprint evidence. Thus far, there have been no conclusive results.
16 & 17 February, 2018 – LIKELY TARGET OF GUNFIRE ARRESTED – CHARGED WITH MULTIPLE FELONIES
On Friday evening, Officers Nicole Motzer and Todd Kelly were sent to an apartment on Grace Street to investigate a reported domestic dispute. They met the forty-six year old woman who’d called.
She described being attacked by her ex-boyfriend Shywann Marquise Daluz (3-18-1975), of Hamden, CT, just minutes before the officers arrived. She said they’ve been separated for months. She has two protective-orders against him. Despite the orders, she claimed he showed up at her door. She described shielding her grandchildren as he attacked her. The officers saw the living room in disarray – the kind of disarray one would expect following a struggle. The victim had a visible abrasion, a bruise and a “grab mark”.
The woman told the cops she’s been the repeated victim of Daluz’ stalking – that he’d come to her home and watch her from an adjacent alleyway. She said he’d message her describing what he could see her wearing. The officers offered the victim medical assistance. She declined. They then went looking for her estranged ex-boyfriend. He lives in Hamden. HPD Officers searched for him and went to his home. He wasn’t there.
When the officers returned to Grace Street, the victim was receiving disturbing text messages from Daluz. In his messages, he suggested he’d harm himself. Additional officers were added to the search. Daluz was listed as an endangered missing person while the officers worked on a safety plan for the victim.
The officers wrote up an arrest warrant for Daluz. He’d be charged with breach of peace in the second degree, Assault in the third degree, criminal trespass in the first degree, stalking in the first degree, harassment in the second degree, two counts of criminal violation of a protective order and two counts of risk of injury to a minor. The search was on, though Daluz remained on the lam until the next day.
On Saturday, Officers Evan Kelly, Nicole Motzer, Stephen Jaques, Robert Stratton, Monique Moore, Jenna Davis, Annastassia Scott and Michael Maciver rushed to the area of State and Grace Streets. Several 911 callers reported hearing an argument followed by single gunshot.
Witnesses said a man and woman were arguing. The shot rang out and the woman could be heard screaming as she ran away. Some of the officers followed footprints in the recently fallen snow. The prints were small and likely a woman’s. They didn’t lead them to anyone involved.
One man told police he’d seen and heard the same thing. After the shot, he said a man and woman ran in one direction and two men, in the other.
The woman who’d reported the domestic dispute a day earlier, arrived. She told the officers her ex, Shywann Marquise Daluz, had just tried breaking into her Grace Street home through a basement window. She said her neighbor had warned her Daluz was trying to break in, had confronted him at her window and struggled to hold on to him for police. She said Daluz wriggled out of his jacket, which the neighbor kept. She told them Daluz was getting away and was probably heading home.
Officers Evan Kelly and Jenna Davis headed toward the man’s home in Hamden. They found him walking on the fifteen-hundred block of State Street. They put him in handcuffs and asked him about the gunshot.
He said he’d been shot at – and knows who pulled the trigger. Daluz was unharmed.
He was charged with criminal attempt to commit burglary in the third degree, criminal trespass in the first degree, stalking in the first degree, harassment in the second degree, two counts of criminal violation of a protective order and breach of peace in the second degree. These charges are independent of those for the earlier reported incident.
The investigation remains open. Officers are searching for the gunman.
19 February, 2018 – ARMED TRESPASSER ARRESTED AFTER STRUGGLE WITH COPS
At 5:00 PM, Officer Yonick Crawford was waved down by a man complaining a drug-dealer was conducting his business in the common hallway at his apartment building, located at 226 Elsworth Avenue. Crawford called for back-up and went inside.
The suspect was walking down the stairs. He looked at the officer standing below and said, “Oh shit”! He bladed his body away from the officer. The man obeyed Crawford’s command to remove his hand from his pocket.
Crawford asked if he lived there. He replied he didn’t. He presented his driver’s license. Crawford ran the name - Philip E. Pervis (7-30-1990), of The Ella T Grasso Boulevard in New Haven.
Officer Kenroy Taylor entered the building. Pervis put his hand back into his pocket. Take your hand out, commanded Taylor. He asked Pervis if he had any weapons on him. Pervis said he had a knife. Officer Crawford saw Pervis looking around as if he was weighing his options to escape. “You’re not going to get too far”, warned Crawford.
Officers Jacob Cedeno, Caitlin Zerella and Christopher Landucci entered the building as Pervis began fighting to remain free from being handcuffed. The officers took Pervis to the ground. Officer Cedeno removed Pervis’ knife – oh, and the loaded Deutche Werks .32 caliber handgun he had tucked inside his waistband.
Pervis was arrested and charged with criminal trespassing in the first degree, carrying a pistol without a permit and interfering with the cops.
21 February, 2018 – POLICE LOOKING FOR WOULD-BE BURGLAR
Apparently the same failure of a burglar was casing homes on Avon Street and Mitchell Drive between 2:30 and 3:20 AM. Officers were called to homes on both streets after a man wearing dark clothing and a green knit cap tried, unsuccessfully to break in (or at least trespass on the properties).
Officer Scott Durkin and Gary Gamarra went to 25 Avon Street at 2:30 AM. The woman who lives there said she heard noises by her back deck. She went to investigate and spotted a stranger peering inside through her glass door. Then he left.
Less than an hour later, the officers went to a similar complaint at 184 Mitchell Drive. The resident heard someone trying to crawl through a rear window. The crook never made it inside and was last seen running west, toward Orange Street.
Fingerprint Technician, Officer Paul Finch arrived. There wasn’t anything left to lift. Officers canvased the area but didn’t find the intruder.
There is no up-tick in burglaries but police are warning residents and business owners to check out their properties. Are you vulnerable? Can your home be better secured?
We should all be thinking about the well-known proverb, “A chain is only as strong as its weakest link”. Let’s customize that by replacing strong with “protected”. Here are some tips we hope you’ll find helpful.
New Haven Police Department
Burglary prevention tips
Good locks, bright lights, active block watches and some common sense can prevent most property crimes.
- Report suspicious people and vehicles to Police and your neighbors
- Keep doors & windows secured with good quality locks
- Add window casement locks or locking pin to keep windows ‘cracked’ a bit
- Secure window air conditioners to the sash and sill
- Set your burglar alarm – even when you’re at home
- Keep porch lights on all night
- Use motion sensors lights for driveways and back yards
- Trim back trees & shrubbery
- Never let strangers into your home
- Demand and verify identification of utility co. associates, poll takers & sales people.
- Make your home look occupied. Time lights, radios & televisions
- Avoid hiding keys outside. Give a spare to a trusted friend
- Never attach personal information to your key ring
- Arrange for mail pick up if away for more than a few days
- Maintain a clearly visible house number so emergency personnel can find you
- Keep valuables in a hidden secure spot or bank safety deposit box
- Get to know your neighbors
- Report nonworking street lights and tree canopies that are below the lights
- Engrave property with your phone number. Record serial numbers
- Don’t ignore audible alarms. Call the Police
- Keep all firearms out of sight and locked up
- Don’t leave ladders outside your home
- Set appropriate privacy settings on social media sites and check them often. If you must post vacation pictures, do so after you’ve returned.
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (Feb. 20th, 2018) -- There's nothing better in boxing right now than being a heavyweight contender in what is now a wide-open weight class, unless you're a heavyweight who happens to hit like a runaway freight train.
Meet Juiseppe Angelo Cusumano, the hard-hitting, heavy-handed Sicilian who'd like nothing more than to throw his hat in the proverbial ring as the next great heavyweight champion.
The time is now; with the Klitschko brothers no longer hoarding every belt under the sun, there are currently three fighters sharing the four major world championships, which means there are far more open roads to success than there were when Wladimir and Vitali held each belt for periods of nine and five years, respectively.
For what it's worth, the Klitschko brothers boast two of the top 10 longest individual title reigns in heavyweight boxing history with Wladimir's nine-year, seven-month, six-day stranglehold on the IBF, WBO and WBO belts ranking behind only Joe Louis(11 years, eight months, eight days) for the longest ever, but those days are long gone.
Right now, it's world champions Anthony Joshua (WBA, IBF), Deontay Wilder(WBC) and Joseph Parker (WBO) in the crosshairs of every heavyweight with a puncher's chance, and Cusumano (13-1, 11 KOs) is confident 2018 will be the year he serves notice to the rest of the division that perhaps there's a new challenger on the block.
"I want to give it my all," said Cusumano, who fights again Friday night at Twin River Casino. "The heavyweight division is open and I'm going to have to do everything I need to do to be the best I can be."
Before he sets his sights on the top dogs in the division, Cusumano must first take care of Pittsburgh's Fred Latham (9-1-2, 5 KOs), by far his toughest test to date. Their six-round heavyweight showdown is the co-feature of CES Boxing's 2018 season opener, which streams live on Facebook via FIGHTNIGHT LIVE beginning at8 p.m. ET.
Cusumano has won 11 consecutive fights dating back to his only career loss in 2012 and has resurfaced under the promotional guidance of CES Boxing following a two-year layoff in which poor management and alcohol abuse kept him away from the gym. Feeling as though he'd missed his shot, Cusumano considered walking away from boxing until Danville, Va., trainer Marcus Luck rolled the dice on the 6-foot-4 heavyweight and introduced him to CES Boxing president Jimmy Burchfield Sr.
The rest is history. Since signing with CES Boxing, Cusumano scored three scintillating knockout wins in a three-month span in 2017 and might've made it 4-for-4 in December were it not for a brief bout with pneumonia postponing his scheduled fight against Brandon Johnson.
At 29, Cusumano knows this is the year he needs to assert himself. No more distractions or layoffs, just a heavy focus on his craft. He recently hired a new strength and conditioning coach, who has forced him to push his body to the limit.
"He's really kicked my butt," he said. "You'll see my body when I get up there."
Cusumano has shared his progress with fans via social media, including a photo of him training underwater, a mirror image of the iconic snapshot of all-time greatMuhammad Ali standing at the bottom of a Miami swimming pool in 1961.
The message is clear: Cusumano is hungry again, and that's potentially bad news for the rest of his weight class.
"Each fight, I feel like I'm getting better and better," he said. "A three-year layoff is a long time, so after these three fights I've just had, I get more motivated. I get more into it."
He also knows plenty about Latham, who recently starred on the long-runningShoBox: The New Generation series on Showtime against Junior Fa in November. Cusumano has actually sparred with some of Latham's previous opponents.
"He's got a pawing jab and he doesn't like to fight, really. He likes stay away and score points from a distance and stuff, so I'm going to have to attack," Cusumano said. "He has problems every time someone attacks. I know he fought Keith Barr[in 2015] and Keith Barr is not that big of a guy and he's not good, but he was able to land a lot of big punches on Fred just because of the pressure he was putting on him.
"I'm going to have to keep pressure on him and let him feel my power early and let him know it's going to be a very long night if he wants to stay in that ring."
With each fight up north, the Danville resident becomes more and more of a fan-favorite in Rhode Island, particularly in the Federal Hill neighborhood of Providence, a predominantly Italian-American community.
He promises to look leaner than ever, even though he stills weights close to usual number of 235 pounds, and he's adamant he's not looking too far ahead. When asked about the other contenders his division, Cusumano simply says, "One at a time."
"This fight is only [three days] away so I'm pretty focused on that right now and this week is about getting my energy back, rebuilding, because, like I said, I've been killing it," he said. "Now I've just got to get that energy back and the night of the fight I should feel like Superman."
Tickets for Friday's event are priced at $47.00, $102.00, $127.00 (VIP) and $152.00 (VIP) and can be purchased online at www.cesboxing.com, www.twinriver.com orwww.ticketmaster.com, by phone at 401-724-2253/2254 or at the Twin River Casino Players Club. All fights and fighters are subject to change.
Doors open at 6 p.m. ET with the preliminary card beginning at 7 followed by the main card streaming live on Facebook via FIGHTNIGHT LIVE at 8 with play-by-play announcer Michael Woods and color commentator Xavier Porter. FIGHTNIGHT LIVE is available online on all portable devices at www.facebook.com/FaceFIGHTNIGHTLIVE/.
Ray Oliveira Jr. (9-1, 1 KO) of New Bedford, Mass., faces New Haven, Conn., veteran Edwin Soto (11-2-2, 4 KOs) in the eight-round main event for the vacant World Boxing Union (WBU) Canadian-American-Mexican Super Welterweight Title.
The Feb. 23rd card also features the return of longtime fan-favorite "Mr. Providence" Vladine Biosse (15-7-3, 7 KOs), who fights for the first time in a year and a half when he faces Atlantic City, N.J., super middleweight Antowyan Aikens(11-4-1, 1 KO) in a six-round special attraction.
Undefeated prospect Jamaine Ortiz (7-0, 4 KOs) of Worcester, Mass., faces Laredo, Tex., veteran Victor Rosas (9-7, 3 KOs) in a six-round lightweight bout and junior welterweight Anthony Marsella Jr. (7-0, 4 KOs) of Providence returns for his seventh consecutive fight at Twin River in a six-round bout against Cancun, Mexico native Israel Villela (6-8, 2 KOs).
Regional rivalries highlight the preliminary card, starting with Johnston, R.I., junior welterweight Nicky DeQuattro (2-0, 1 KO) making his Twin River debut in a four-round bout against Carlos Galindo (0-0) of Lima, Peru. Providence lightweightMichael Valentin (3-0, 1 KO) puts his unbeaten record on the line againstDemetrius Wilson (2-4) of St. Louis, Mo., and Springfield, Mass., welterweightMiguel Ortiz (2-1, 1 KO) faces Wilson Mascarenhas of New Bedford, both in four-round bouts. Providence featherweight Ricky Delossantos (3-0) aims for his fourth consecutive win in a four-round bout against New Bedford's Efren Nunez (0-1). Taunton, Mass., native Marqus Bates (2-2, 2 KOs) battles welterweightLatorie Woodberry (1-5) of Roanoke, Va., in a four-round bout.
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New Haven – Mayor Toni Harp will join L’Orcio co-owners Fracesco d’Amuri and Alison DeRenzi Tuesday afternoon to celebrate the 15th anniversary of one of the city’s preferred Italian restaurants. Tomorrow’s celebration will be at 806 State Street, New Haven, beginning at 4:00 p.m.
Mayor Harp and the restaurant’s co-owners will be joined by representatives from New Haven’s Economic Development Administration and the Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce for a brief speaking program, to be followed by the anniversary celebration.
L’Orcio is an upscale dining establishment serving Italian Cuisine in New Haven, CT. Their contemporary fine dining restaurant features wonderful menus using fresh, seasonal and local ingredients. Specialty made in-house pastas like ricotta gnocchi, ravioli and pappardelle are only part of the L’Orcio fine dining experience. Chef d’Amuri also works his magic preparing a variety of Italian cuisine of meat and fish dishes daily.
PRESS CONFERENCE SCHEDULED FOR 1:15 P.M. TUESDAY
New Haven – Mayor Toni N. Harp, transportation officials in her administration, representatives from the city’s ‘Bike Share’ vendor, and bicycling enthusiasts will meet with reporters Tuesday afternoon to announce the start of the city’s ‘Bike Share’ bicycle rental program.
Tomorrow’s press conference is scheduled to begin at 1:15 p.m. at the intersection of Audubon Street and Orange Street in New Haven, where one of the bicycle rental stations will be located. Members of the press corps are invited to attend and encouraged to cover this milestone event.
- Who: New Haven Mayor Toni N. Harp, transportation officials in her administration, representatives from the city’s ‘Bike Share’ vendor, and bicycling enthusiasts.
- What: Press conference to announce the start of the city’s ‘Bike Share’ bicycle rental program.
- When: Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at 1:15 p.m.
- Where: At the intersection of Audubon and Orange Streets in New Haven.
- Why: To announce and promote the start of New Haven’s ‘Bike Share’ bicycle rental program.
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(Shirley, New York) - Boxing is full of big talkers. LeShawn "Lightning" Rodriguez (8-0, 7 KOs) isn't one of them. The 24-year-old undefeated middleweight prefers to deliver his big statements in the boxing ring and relishes the opportunity to entertain his fans at every bout.
"Of course, I want to be an entertainer," says the hard-hitting Rodriguez. "When I go see boxing, I want to see a show. When I go into the ring, I put on the best show I can."
Rodriguez gets his next chance to entertain in his return to The Theater at Madison Square Garden on the non-televised undercard of Sergey Kovalev vs. Igor Mikhalkin and Dmitry Bivol vs. Sullivan Barrera on Saturday, March 3. Rodriguez hopes to extend his knockout streak to seven in a row against opponent Martez Jackson (4-1-2, 2 KOs) of Valdosta, Georgia.
Rodriguez says he gets energy and motivation from his growing fan base, who've picked up on the buzz about him and like what they see. "The new fans, I'm getting a lot of support from them and congratulations on social media. 'Great KO power' and 'You're going to be a superstar.' When people come to support me, I put on an even better show so they'll come back again and watch again," said Rodriguez.
As a result, Rodriguez can be his toughest critic when assessing his efforts. Although his last bout ended in a third round TKO, he gave himself no more than a "B-plus ... I could have done it a little sooner. I took my time ... It's true, I'm my biggest critic, honestly. I always want to be better than the last time. I work harder and I push myself. It's a benefit, I think," said Rodriguez.
Rodriguez channels his competitive drive into everything he does outside the boxing ring as well as inside. He still shows up at his local fitness center and plays basketball, showing no mercy to his friends or any new players unfamiliar with the knockout artist who's coming down the floor at them.
If your competitive tastes run to video games like the popular "Call of Duty," you better watch out for online player "PeakKnight123." Yes, it's Rodriguez, a big gamer who plays Xbox One games to relax. "Of course, I'm competitive in everything!" admits Rodriguez.
Rodriguez knows his next opponent, Martez Jackson, scored draws with two previously undefeated fighters, and he doesn't want to make it three. "I'm going to take that into consideration, and do my best."
Rodriguez says he hopes to be 13 or 14 and 0 by the end of 2018, with a title shot opportunity in 2019, all with an eye toward his knockout percentage.
Rodriguez has a final word for his fans: "Come out, watch the future of boxing. Get in on the ground floor. I'm going to keep my knockout streak going for you!"
About March 3: The Saturday, March 3 main event between Sergey "Krusher" Kovalev and Igor Mikhalkin is a 12-round match-up for the WBO Light Heavyweight World Title at the Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The co-main event features WBA Light Heavyweight World Champion Dmitry Bivol versus Sullivan Barrera in a 12-round title fight. Tickets range from $50 to $300 and are available at TicketMaster.com and the Madison Square Garden box office. The event is promoted by Main Events, Krusher Promotions and World of Boxing in association with EC Box Promotions and will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing® at 10:05 p.m. ET/PT.
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