Donaire to be feted as top boxer in Elorde Awards

MANILA, Philippines - Nonito Donaire, considered by boxing pundits as heir apparent to Filipino idol Manny Pacquiao, will be honored as one of the top boxers of the past year during the 11th Gabriel “Flash” Elorde Memorial Boxing Awards and Banquet of Champions on March 25 at The Ballroom of the Sofitel Plaza Hotel.

Donaire capped a big year with a fourth round knockout of Wladimir Sidorenko last December to wrest the vacant WBC Continental and American bantamweight title.

His other wins during the year included a third round knockout of Manuel Vargas to regain the WBA superflyweight interim world title in February and an eighth round TKO of Hernan Marques in San Juan, Puerto Rico in July to retain the WBA superflyweight interim world crown.

Donaire joins lone woman world champion Ana Julaton and Donnie Nietes in the elite cast of 2010 world champions outside of Pacquiao, who will be honored for his eight titles in as many divisions during the year.

Pacquiao, the first to be inducted into the Elorde Hall of Fame following his seventh consecutive award as Boxer of the Year in 2009, will also be the guest of honor and speaker during the rites held in memory of Flash Elorde, the world junior lightweight champion for seven consecutive years from 1960.

The Elorde annual awards, presented by the Elorde clan led by Laura Elorde, the late champion’s wife, will also honor over 50 international and Philippine champions, the best judge, referee and match as well as personalities and entities that have contributed to boxing and former world champions who have retired from the sport.

The event is organized by the Johnny Elorde Management International and the Gabriel “Flash” Elorde Foundation in coordination with co-presentor Cobra Energy drink, Sanicar Kitchen Towels, Family Rubbing Alcohol, the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, Smart, Samsung and the Elorde Gyms.

Information: Elorde Office at 8264463, 8359385 or 09228507174.