Manny, Ortiz grace Elorde Awards tonite

World, international and Philippine champions, led by Manny Pacquiao, take center stage during the Gabriel "Flash" Elorde Annual Awards tonight at the Mandarin Hotel in Makati.

Pacquiao arrived from Gen. Santos City yesterday morning to receive the highest honor as Boxer of the Year from guest of honor and speaker Sen. Mar Roxas and the Elorde family, which is holding the annual award for the fifth year to honor outstanding boxers in 2004.

To receive the Elorde Memorial trophy is former world lightweight champion Carlos Ortiz of Puerto Rico. Also to receive honors during the rites held in honor of the Filipino boxing legend, who reigned as junior lightweight champion from 1960-67, are the best promoter, best judge, best trainer, best manager, best referee, most promising boxer and the best fight of the year.

Also to be given recognition are posthumous awardees and individuals and institutions that gave support to Philippine boxing in 2004.

Among the sponsors are More Cigarette, Family Rubbing Alcohol, Pagcor, PCSO, Casa Belrina Travel, Mandarin Hotel, Johnson & Johnson, Northwest Airlines, PLDT, GSM, Reli Tours and Gardenia.