New Haven mayor Toni Harp to honor local boxers. Special ceremony celebrates recent accomplishments
Providence, RI – New Haven, CT, natives and professional boxers Chad Dawson, Tramaine Williams and Marisa Belenchia will be honored by Mayor Toni Harp on Friday, July 26, 2019 during a special ceremony on the front steps of City Hall.
All three emerged victorious June 29 at Foxwoods Resort Casino, highlighting a sold-out event promoted by CES Boxing. In addition to their success and dedication inside the ring, they are active within the community and have stood out as exemplary role models. Dawson, a former two-time world champion and pound-for-pound king in the light heavyweight division, will receive the Key to the City while Belenchia and Williams will be awarded special proclamations.
The ceremony begins at 11:30 a.m. at City Hall, located at 165 Church St., and is open to the public.
“As mayor, I’m proud of every New Haven resident who goes on to become accomplished in his or her chosen field: the three athletes to be recognized this week have become role models for young people in New Haven, and embody the connection between commitment, dedication, hard work, and professional success,” Mayor Harp said. “For athletes, and for others who strive to succeed, fitness, endurance, and expertise are useful and productive skills for young people to develop.”
The 37-year-old Dawson made a triumphant return June 29 following a two-year layoff, defeating Quentin Rankin by unanimous decision in the main event. It was Dawson’s first win since 2016 and the 35th in his illustrious career. The veteran southpaw continues to share his boxing acumen within the community since opening the Chad Dawson’s Championship Breed Boxing Gym in nearby Hamden.
“It’s a pleasure and an honor to receive a key to the city I was raised in and where I learned so much,” Dawson said. “I’m truly honored to be home and to have a chance to fight in front of my family and friends. Thank you to New Haven and Mayor Toni Harp for this award.”
In the co-main event June 29, Williams kept his perfect record with his 17th career win by defeating Filipino veteran Neil John Tabanao by unanimous decision. Belenchia, an accomplished veteran mixed martial arts fighter, made her long-awaited pro boxing debut on the undercard with a unanimous-decision win over Delaney Owen.
“I am very thankful to have the opportunity to be recognized for fighting and doing what I love, especially alongside two top local household names,” Belenchia said. “It is an honor to be able to set the stage for future female fighters, in what has been, for years, a male-dominated sport.”
Visit www.cesboxing.com, www.twitter.com/cesboxing or www.facebook.com/cesboxing for more information, and follow CES Boxing on Instagram at @CESBOXING.
WHO:
CHAD DAWSON
Former two-time light heavyweight world champion
New Haven, CT
35-3, 19 KOs
TRAMAINE WILLIAMS
Undefeated featherweight prospect
New Haven, CT
18-0, 6 KOs
MARISA BELENCHIA
Super flyweight prospect
New Haven, CT
1-0
WHAT:
Ceremony from Mayor Toni Harp to honor New Haven, CT boxers with a Key to the City and special proclamations.
WHERE:
New Haven City Hall
165 Church St.
New Haven, CT 06510
203-946-8200
WHEN:
Friday, July 26, 2019
11:30 a.m.
WHY:
In addition to their success and dedication inside the ring, Dawson, Williams and Belenchia are active within the community and have stood out as exemplary role models. All three emerged victorious June 29 at Foxwoods Resort Casino, highlighting a sold-out event promoted by CES Boxing.
