Elorde family launches Boxing Awards

The family of one of the world’s greatest boxers of all time has launched the Gabriel "Flash" Elorde Boxing Awards to honor top Filipino boxers the past year as well as the referees, judges, handlers and other personalities at the top of the local boxing world.

The Elorde Boxing Awards will be inaugurated March 25, birthday of the late world junior lightweight champion who has been enshrined in the International Boxing Hall of Fame, and will be held every year as the Elorde family’s annual tribute to boxing greats.

The annual gathering, which will be held on the champ’s birth anniversary at the Manila Hotel, will be called the "Banquet of Champions".

Johnny Elorde, international boxing promoter and son of Da Flash, said current and former world, international and Philippine champions will be honored and given trophies, belts and cash incentives in what is considered the first and most prestigious award to be given in the field of professional boxing.

The best trainer/second, matchmaker, judge, referee, best fight of the year and best knockout of the year will also be given recognition.

Organizations that have contributed to the development of profesional boxing in the Philippines will likewise be honored, the young Elorde said.

"The Boxing Awards should encourage more boxers to strive harder knowing fully well that their efforts will be rewarded," he added.

The recipients of the first Gabriel "Flash" Elorde Boxing Awards are the Philippine champions in every division for the year 2000, all world and international champions in 2000, former world champions, the best trainer/second, matchmaker, judge, referee best fight and best knoockout of the year.

Citations will be presented to organizations that supported Philippine professional boxing during the year.

The major awardees: Year 2000 world and international champions:

Miniflyweight (105lb): Manny Melchor, Zarlit Rodrigo (WBC international), Joma Gamboa (WBA champion), Andy Tabanas (WBO).

Lightflyweight (108 lbs): Juanito Rubillar (WBC International), Andy Tabanas (WBO)

Flyweight (112 lbs): Malcolm Tunacao (WBC), Randy Mangubat (WBC International), Melvin Magramo (WBO International).

Superflyweight (115 lbs): Gerry Peñalosa (WBC International).

Bantamweight (118 lbs): Jovy Halog (WBC International), Joel Junio (WBA Asian Champion), Jess Maca (OPBF).

Superbantamweight (122 lbs): Manny Pacquiao (WBC International)

Featherweight (126 lbs): Orlando Villaflor (WBF)

Superfeatherweight (130 lbs): Joselito Rivera (WBF), Tiger Ari (OPBF)

Welterweight (147 lbs): Fernando Sagrado (WBA Asian).