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Dawson survives knockdown to beat Rankin by decision

Unbeaten featherweight Williams keeps perfect record intact in co-feature

MASHANTUCKET, Conn. (June 29th, 2019) – Back in the ring for the first time in more than two years, former world champion and pound-for-pound king Chad Dawson shook off some early rust and survived a flash knockdown Saturday at Foxwoods Resort Casino to earn a hard-fought win over Quinton Rankinat the Fox Theater. 

The 36-year-old New Haven, Conn., southpaw won for the first time since April of 2016, beating Rankin (15-6-2) by unanimous decision, 80-68, 78-72, 78-72, despite getting dropped by an uppercut in the fifth round. 

In what turned out to be a bizarre, somewhat sloppy, finish, Rankin had two points deducted – one in the fifth for swinging at Dawson while he was down and again in the seventh for hitting his opponent on the break. Even with the knockdown, Dawson (35-5) still dominated the majority of the rounds, ripping Rankin to the body and using his height and reach advantage to keep the free-swinging southpaw from boxing on the inside. 

In the co-main event, co-promoted by CES Boxing and Roc Nation Sports, New Haven featherweight Tramaine Williams (18-0) remained unbeaten with a methodical, 99-91, 99-91, 98-92 unanimous decision win over tough Filipino Neil John Tabanao (17-6). Williams’ hand speed was the difference and he consistently landed two-punch combos while boxing effectively on the outside. There weren’t a lot of long, drawn-out exchanges as neither fighter seemed too eager to box on the inside, but Williams no doubt got the better of his opponent with superior speed and footwork. 

In another wildly entertaining bout, Manchester, Conn., junior middleweight Jose Rivera (8-4) won his Connecticut homecoming, defeating Italian slugger Luca Podda (7-4) by unanimous decision, 59-54 on all three scorecards. The two came out throwing haymakers with Podda landing a few solid shots, but once Rivera regained his footing and slowed the fight down, he consistently backed Podda against the ropes and pressed the action. Rivera closed strong and scored a knockdown in the fourth round to seal the fight. 

Bridgeport, Conn., lightweight Oscar Bonilla (6-3-2) remained hot, winning his third consecutive bout and second in a row at Foxwoods with a 59-55 unanimous decision across the board against Worcester, Mass., vet Julio Perez (4-4). Bonilla’s work to the body was just too much for Perez to overcome as he maintained a consistent pace from the opening bell. 

The female flyweights kicked off the pro card in style with an entertaining, back-and-forth battle as New Haven’s Marisa Belenchia (1-0) earned the win in her professional boxing debut, beating Clearwater, Fla., native Delaney Owen (0-3), by unanimous decision, 40-36, 39-37, 39-37.

An accomplished amateur boxer, Belenchia is also a professional in mixed martial arts, where she currently boasts a 3-0 record. Her win Saturday came less than one month after her third career MMA win, which highlighted the preliminary card of CES MMA 56 in Hartford on May 31. 

In what might’ve been his most performance to date, New Bedford, Mass., super lightweight Wilson Mascarenhas (2-1) dominated Philadelphia pro debut Anthony Ramirez (0-1) to earn a 40-36 unanimous decision on all three scorecards. Fighting for the second time since April, Mascarenhas weaved in and out of traffic effectively, using his footwork to baffle Ramirez. The 24-year-old right-hander has now won back-to-back fights since taking a loss in his pro debut.

New Britain, Conn., featherweight Nathan Martinez (4-0) remained undefeated with an impressive unanimous decision win over Minnesota’s Jose Homar Rios (2-7-1) in what turned out to be a fast-paced slugfest with Martinez earning the 40-36 score on all three cards. Rios held his own, even landing a few effective body blows, but Martinez was the aggressor the entire night and simply kept applying the pressure to pile up points on the scorecard. 

Visit www.cesboxing.com, www.twitter.com/cesboxing or www.facebook.com/cesboxing for more information, and follow CES Boxing on Instagram at @CESBOXING. 

MASHANTUCKET, Conn. (Friday, June 28th) – Listed below are official weights for all the participants on Saturday’s CES Boxing pro-am boxing event at Foxwoods Resort Casino’s Fox Theater. 

The official start time Saturday for the main card is 7 p.m. ET. The preliminary amateur card begins at 5:30. Limited tickets are available and can be purchased online at www.foxwoods.comor at the Fox Theater Box Office. All fights and fighters subject to change. The main card streams live on Facebook via FIGHTNIGHT LIVE beginning at 8.

Visit www.cesboxing.com, www.twitter.com/cesboxing or www.facebook.com/cesboxing for more information, or follow CES Boxing on Instagram at @CESBOXING. 

CHAD DAWSON

New Haven, Conn.

34-5, 19 KOs

178

QUINTON RANKIN

Charlotte, N.C.

15-5-2, 12 KOs

179

TRAMAINE WILLIAMS

New Haven, Conn.

17-0, 6 KOs

123

NEIL JOHN TABANAO

Mandaue City, Philippines

17-5, 11 KOs

123

JOSE RIVERA

Manchester, Conn.

7-4, 5 KOs

161

LUCA PODDA

Miami, Fla.

7-3, 3 KOs

153

NATHAN MARTINEZ

New Britain, Conn.

3-0, 1 KO

125

JOSE HOMAR RIOS

Hawley, Minn.

2-6-1, 1 KO

127

OSCAR BONILLA

Bridgeport, Conn.

5-3-2, 1 KO

135

JULIO PEREZ

Worcester, Mass.

4-3

132

WILSON MASCARENHAS

New Bedford, Mass.

1-1

139

ANTHONY RAMIREZ

Philadelphia, Pa.

Pro debut

138

MARISA BELENCHIA

New Haven, Conn.

Pro debut

110

DELANEY OWEN

Clearwater, Fla.

0-2

111

– CES

“IMATTER” CITYWIDE YOUTH EMPOWERMENT PROJECT FILLS THE CITY HALL ATRIUM WITH LOVE AS 10 NEW PORTRAITS OF NEW HAVEN YOUTH DEBUT! AT A 3PM RECEPTION, MAYOR HARP WILL SPEAK AND WYBC 94.3 WILL BROADCAST LIVE. “IMATTER” VOICES WILL ALSO LAUNCH WITH TWO AUDIO-READY ALUMINUM PANELS THAT INTERACT WITH SMARTPHONES.

New Haven, Connecticut (June 25, 2019) - The City of New Haven has partnered with the “IMatter” Project to showcase teens and young adults in a citywide public celebration of self-worth, compassion and community. Large-scale banners have been going up throughout the city at locations such as the Goffe Street Armory, Dollar Tree Store (Chapel Street), LoRicco Towers (Crown Street) and Dixwell Fire Station. Rob Goldman, founder and director of the “IMatter” Project said, “It's thrilling to see the City of New Haven coming together in support of our mission. Big-hearted people from government, education, the arts, the media, business, real estate development, parents, students, the list goes on, all stepping up help us give New Haven’s youth the voice they deserve.”

On Tuesday, June 25, at 3pm, the “IMatter” Project, the Youth Services Department (YSD) of the City of New Haven and 94.3 WYBC Radio welcome all to a kickoff reception as “IMatter” comes to the City Hall Atrium. Ten positive portraits of New Haven youth photographed by Goldman will fill the lobby with love. Led by Mayor Toni N. Harp, a brief presentation will showcase the youth, some of whom will be present. Mayor Harp said, “As mayor, I’m so proud New Haven is hosting this initiative.” Juan Castillo from “The Juan Castillo Morning Show” will be on hand, doing interviews that will broadcast live on 94.3 WYBC. An “IMatter” photo booth will be set up where guests can get their picture taken, create their word bubble and have it posted on the “IMatter” Facebook and Instagram pages. Spoken word artists will be on hand and pizza will be served. Free “IMatter”/94.3 WYBC bracelets will be given out, along with other swag.

"IMatter" Voices will be launched at this event as the first two audio-enabled, 59" by 78" aluminum panels that interact with smartphones are shown. Statements from "IMatter" youth can be heard by either scanning a QR code from each panel or using a phone's "search" feature to find the youth’s name. A prototype of an "IMatter" Tower will also be displayed. This is a preview of what New Haven will see in September when a nearly 10-foot-high illuminated tower will be permanently installed in the Dixwell Neighborhood with 36 photos of New Haven youth. Those photos are being shot this summer by "IMatter" founder and director, Rob Goldman with the youth selected by the tower’s sponsor, the Livable City Initiative (LCI). The audio derives by ongoing interviews, hosted by “IMatter” partner, 94.3 WYBC radio.

Tuesday’s effort continues the citywide youth empowerment effort, which started with the display of the initial 12 banners of the project, which were funded entirely by New Haven’s Youth Services Department. Jason Bartlett, Director of the Youth Services Department (YSD), said, “As a City, we will continually invest and value our youth. Part of that investment is recognizing the importance of self-esteem and a positive identity Juan Castillo, General Manager of WYBC radio, an “IMatter” partner said, “’IMatter’ brings us together under one banner.” “There is nothing more joyful and powerful than seeing our youth bear witness to their fullest expression,” said Erik Clemons, CEO of ConnCAT, another project supporter.

The “IMatter” Project is a multimedia youth empowerment program that celebrates the sanctity and self-worth of teens and young adults. The comprehensive public media campaign cultivates civic empowerment, uplifting and uniting citizens of all ages while instilling a sense of communal pride and promise. Founder and director Rob Goldman said, “We are giving New Haven youth a face and a voice.

The public art program features Goldman’s compelling photographic portraits accompanied by “IMatter” statements, written and spoken by each subject. Irresistible, young faces broadcast reflective messages of optimism that drive community engagement through larger-than-life banners, billboards, audio recordings, radio broadcasts and interactive exhibits. Captivating works are designed to provoke intergenerational discourse about critical youth issues that include anxiety, depression, substance abuse, mental illness, gang violence and suicide.

The aesthetic uplift of the “IMatter” campaign inspires people to imagine and build a healthy community while promoting empathy, belonging and hope. We bring together the forces and faces of communities with an enticing platform that invites and unites governmental, civic, educational, corporate and philanthropic forces that bring about positive change. As a result, economic development and social/emotional health are positively impacted as people of all ages connect and celebrate within and across cultures.

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If you would like more information about the “IMatter” Project, please call Bo Sandine, Program Manager, at 720.470.8803 or email bo@imatterproject.org

Monday June 24 at 9:30AM at New Haven City Hall, Mayor Toni Harp of New Haven will be joined by Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro, Mayor Curtis Leng of Hamden, Superintendent Carol Birks of New Haven, Superintendent Jody Goeler of Hamden, and Board of Education Member Joe Rodriguez at a press conference to officially kick off the Summer Meals Program in New Haven and Hamden.

Providing children with access to nutritious food beyond the school year and into the summer months has clear health, education, and economic benefits. Children obtain 50% of their calories from food eaten at school through the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs and the benefits of these programs have been demonstrated. The Summer Meals Program aims to address that significant gap in nutrition. Lack of access to meals beyond the school year exacerbates summer learning loss (also known as “summer slide”), health issues like obesity, and further increases the opportunity gap. In fact, food insecurity is significantly predictive of poor physical and cognitive development in children. In 2018, nearly 195,000 meals were served during the 8-week period that Summer Meals Program operated in New Haven and Hamden. The vast majority of meal sites, nearly 70, and all of the most utilized locations, were in New Haven.

The New Haven Food Policy Council (NHFPC), a commission of the City of New Haven, has been partnering with the New Haven Public Schools Food Service Department, the Food System Policy Division of the City of New Haven, and End Hunger CT! to reach more New Haven kids through the Summer Meals Program since 2014. In that time, we saw significant increases in the program utilization, especially in neighborhood-based supper meals. The Summer Meals Program has always relied on outstanding local community partnerships to plan and promote the Summer Meals Program. These vital planning and outreach efforts are possible because of the United Way of Greater New Haven, Witnesses to Hunger, CT Food Bank, Community Action Agency of New Haven, Cornell Scott-Hill Health Center, and CitySeed.

Monday, June 24 at 9:30AM at City Hall for the Summer Meals Mayoral Press Conference.

West Coast Artist, OnlyJame releases the visual to his latest single, "SUPERSTAR"

It was only a moment ago when we added his last visual, "She knows".  By the looks of it, OnlyJame will be placing a mark on the industry's hip-hop roster, Recently, OnlyJame releases the visual to his single, "Superstar." Darnell Barrett) is originally from the Northwest suburbs of Chicago or also known as the “9”. After one semester at Columbia College and getting overwhelmed during the growth of his career, Jame dropped out and made music his priority. The rising star went on to make music with Chicago natives like Tayler Bennett, Toni Romiti and the Chicago legend, Twista.  In 2014, he began getting some recognition in Chicago, at a time, where drill music was in its prime. Being a kid from the suburbs of Chicago, Jame stood out with his music using love and relationships as a go-to topic.

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CITY OFFICIALS SEEK PUBLIC INPUT THURSDAY AS THEY WORK TOWARD ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION MASTER PLAN

GOAL IS TO IMPROVE CITY STREETS AND INTERSECTIONS

New Haven, CT – The city’s Department Thursday at which public input will he of Transportation, Traffic & Parking will host a community workshoplp create its first-ever Active Transportation Master Plan.

The goal of the event is to identify intersections and streets that need improvements for safety and walkability – members of the public will be asked to help make these determinations.

Areas identified will be included in the Master Plan. Six street improvement projects identified at this workshop will be rolled out across six neighborhoods in the summer and fall of 2019. Residents are encouraged to show up to make sure their neighborhoods are represented.

These improvement projects are a part of a larger plan to increase active transportation in New Haven. “Active transportation” means getting around in a way that is powered by human energy – walking and bicycling, which includes accessing public transportation. Those who live in communities that prioritize active transportation tend to be healthier because they’re more active in their daily routines and the air they breathe tends to be cleaner.

Members of the public are encouraged to participate in Thursday’s workshop:

Residents who attend the workshop will have the opportunity to ask questions about the Master Plan, make recommendations, identify initial street improvement projects, and share their vision for future transportation in New Haven. Dinner will be provided for those who attend. Free parking is available four blocks away in the lot at State and Wall Street (10 Wall Street – Park New Haven lot).

Plans for this workshop are a collaborative effort by the City of New Haven Department of Transportation, Traffic & Parking, the Cornell Scott Hill Health Center, Street Plans, and Community Alliance for Research & Engagement (CARE).

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Breaking News !!!
please Share come out and Support this event
CES Boxing and Bud Mench Media group Boxing Press Conferences Home Coming Kings 
City Hall
June 24, 2019 
1:30pm to 2:00pm

WHO:

Chad Dawson

Former two-time world champion

New Haven, Conn.

34-5, 19 KOs

Tramaine Williams

Featherweight

New Haven, Conn.

17-0, 6 KOs

MARISA MESSER-BELENCHIA

Female flyweight debut

New Haven, Conn.

Pro debut

JOSE RIVERA

Junior middleweight

Hartford, Conn.

7-4, 5 KOs

WHAT:

Official press conference to promote CES Boxing’s upcoming pro-am event scheduled for Saturday, June 29th, 2019 at Foxwoods Resort Casino featuring the long-awaited return of two-time world champion Chad Dawson and unbeaten featherweight prospect Tramaine Williams.

WHERE:

New Haven City Hall

165 Church St.

New Haven, CT 06510

203-946-8200

WHEN:

Monday, June 24th, 2019

1:30 – 2 p.m.

WHY:

Monday’s press conference kicks off a week-long press tour as CES Boxing returns to Foxwoods Resort Casino and the historic Fox Theater on Saturday, June 29th, 2019 with a highly-anticipated pro-am card featuring the former two-time world champion and light heavyweight king, Dawson, and the undefeated featherweight prospect, Williams, both from New Haven.

This event is open to the public. Limited tickets to the June 29th fight card are available at $47, $77 and $157 (VIP) and can be purchased online at www.cesboxing.com or www.foxwoods.com, by phone at 401-724-2253 or 800-200-2882 or at the Fox Theater Box Office. All fights and fighters subject to change. The amateur portion of the card begins at 5:30 p.m. ET, followed by the main card at 7. The latter streams live on Facebook via FIGHTNIGHT LIVE.

Fighting for the first time in more than two years, Dawson faces Charlotte, N.C., southpaw Quinton Rankin (15-5-2, 12 KOs) in the eight-round main event while Williams, nicknamed “The Mighty Midget,” battles Filipino Neil John Tabanao (17-5, 11 KOs) in a 10-round featherweight showdown, a bout presented in association with Roc Nation Sports.

Manchester, Conn., super welterweight Jose Rivera(7-4, 5 KOs) battles Luca Podda (7-3, 3 KOs) of Miami in a six-round bout and Oscar Bonilla (5-3-2, 1 KO) of Bridgeport, Conn., faces Julio Perez (4-3) of Worcester, Mass., in a six-round lightweight bout.

Also featured on the main card, New Haven female flyweight Marisa Belenchia (0-0) makes her professional debut against Delaney Owen (0-2) of Clearwater, Fla., and featherweight Nathan Martinez (3-0, 1 KOs) of Bridgeport puts his unbeaten record on the line against Minnesota’s Jose Homar Rios (2-6-1, 1 KO), both in four-round bouts. Junior welterweight Wilson Mascarenhas (1-1) of New Bedford, Mass., faces Joshua Oxendine (0-0) of Pembroke, N.C., and undefeated featherweight Jacob Marrero (3-0, 2 KOs) returns to Foxwoods for the third time in a separate four-round bout.

– CES

"
Rising star OnlyJame has been making a name for himself for a while now. First, getting some recognition in Chicago back in 2014 at a time where drill music was in its prime. Being a kid from the suburbs of Chicago, Jame stood out with his music using love and relationships as a go-to topic.   Back in 2017, He moves to LA to further his career. After the move, he changed his sound and style to a more melodic rap some songs even seeming more R&B. This change has pushed Jame's career up another level. He plans to release his latest EP in the summer of 2019.

The Elm City Freddy Fixer Parade

Mayor Toni N. Harp and organizers of the New Haven Caribbean Heritage Festival and the Jamaican American Connection kicked off the sixth celebration of Caribbean culture at City Hall this week. All people who are of Caribbean descent were invited to city hall to mix and mingle and take a group photo documenting their heavy presence in New Haven. 

This year’s festival will return to DeGale Field (Goffe Street Park) on June 30, 2019 beginning at 1:00 pm in true “Caribbean style” with time for family, authentic music, dancing, as well as amazing food from several local vendors. This event will begin with a rolling precession of island music and costumed dancers to give the community a taste of carnival; a traditional and highly raved/anticipated parade style event. Rain or shine, everyone young or old is encouraged to come out and indulge in an Caribbean experience like no other.

(Statement from Caribbean Heritage Month's Website)

'In June 2005, the House of Representatives unanimously adopted H. Con. Res. 71, sponsored by Congresswoman Barbara Lee, recognizing the significance of Caribbean people and their descendants in the history and culture of the United States. 

The campaign to designate June as National Caribbean American Heritage Month, was spearheaded by Dr. Claire Nelson, Founder and President of the Institute of Caribbean Studies.  Through the commemoration of this month, we hope to ensure that America is reminded that its greatness lies in its diversity, with Caribbean immigrants from founding father Alexander Hamilton, to journalist Malcolm Gladwell, who have shaped the American dream.' 

Since Mayor Harp's time in office, Carribean nationals who work and live in the city have been invited to showcase their culture at City Hall during this month. People of the Caribbean Diaspora have been a part of the rich culture of New Haven since at least the 1900s and will continue to share their beautiful culture with everyone.

The planning committee members for the festival are: Karaine Smith-Holness (Jamaica),  Shermaine Cooke-Edmonds (Dominica), Paula Ferguson (Grenada), Hayden Worrell (Trinidad), Micheal Gittens (Trinidad) and Yvonne Jackson (Jamaica). Photos by Leigh Busby (Trinidad)

    For more information contact Committee atnewhavencaribfest@gmail.com