Past, current champs hold grand reunion in Elorde rites

MANILA, Philippines –  Boxing great Manny Pacquiao will lead a host of current and past Filipino champions in the 11th Gabriel “Flash” Elorde Boxing Awards – Banquet of Champions slated March 25, at 5 p.m. at the grand ballroom of the Sofitel Philippine Plaza.

Joining Pacquiao in the gathering which honors the country’s best and finest of the past year are almost 50 current world/international and Philippine champions, including Donnie Nietes, Nonito Donaire, Drian Francisco, Silvestre Lopez, AJ Banal, Jonathan Taconing, as well as former champions Rolando Navarette, Rene Barrientos, Pretty Boy Lucas, Bernabe Villacampo, the Peñalosa brothers, Gerry, Dodie Boy and Jonathan, the Magramo brothers, Ronnie, Ric and Melvin, the Rubillar brothers, Juanito and Ernesto, Dennis Laurente, Z. Gorres, Boom Boom Bautista, Rodel Mayol and Marvin Sonsona, among many others.

“Every year, we look forward to bringing in together past and present champions in the Elorde Banquet of champions. This is a grand reunion of the best we had the past year and past champions still alive,” said Laura Elorde, wife of the boxing legend and international boxing Hall of Famer whose 73rd birth anniversary will be celebrated on March 25.

Pacquiao has already been elevated to the Elorde Hall of Fame when he became Boxer of the Year for seven consecutive years in the Elorde Awards.

The Elorde clan, which is handing the annual awards, said the award is given to a seven-year champion in recognition of the seven-year reign of Da Flash, who was world junior lightweight champion for a record seven consecutive years from 1960.

However, Pacquiao will be given recognition as the first fighter to hold eight world championships in eight different divisions.

The event is organized by the Johnny Elorde Management International and the Gabriel “Flash” Elorde Foundation in coordination with co-presenter COBRA Energy Drink, Philippine Amusements and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor), the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), SMART, Samsung, Alaxan and the Elorde Gyms.

The best promoter, manager, referee, judge, most promising boxer and fight of the year will also be honored.

One of the highlights of the event is a big boxing promotion which will feature the unification bout of WBC International jr. flyweight champion Jonathan Taconing of the Philippines and WBC silver belt champion Lookdiew Tor Buamad of Thailand.

The fight has been given approval by the World Boxing Council. There will be other exciting bouts in the undercard which will be featured before the start of the awards.

Information:   Beth or Manny Tel. Nos. 8264463 or 8250625 and cell no. 09228507174 or 09162423657.