Young Casimero joins Elorde boxers of 2012

MANILA, Philippines - Johnriel Casimero, who won the interim IBF lightfylweight title in 2012 in a fight that ended in a brawl in the ring, will receive the award as one of five boxers of the year during the 13th Gabriel “Flash” Elorde Memorial Awards and Banquet of Champions on March 25 at the Sofitel Hotel.

Casimero,  22, became the youngest among the country’s five boxers of the year which include WBO and WBA flyweight champion Nonito Donaire Jr., WBO and WBA flyweight titleholder Brian Viloria, WBO light flyweight ruler Donnie Nietes and WBC flyweight king Sonny Boy Jaro to receive the distinction, pro boxing’s highest award given in memory of boxing legend Flash Elorde.

Donaire will receive the Flash Elorde Memorial Belt, given for the first time to the country’s most outstanding world champion in any single year.

The awards will be presented during the annual awards rites held on the occasion of the 78th birth anniversary of Da Flash, the first Filipino inducted into the International Hall of Fame for his feat as undefeated world junior lightweight champion for seven years since 1960.

It is sponsored by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, Procter and Gamble, Alexan, Sanicare and Cobra Energy Drink.

The Ormoc City native stopped Argentinian Luis Alberto Lazarte on Feb. 10, 2012 in a contest which ended in a riot when Argentine fans booed the referee’s decision, threw chairs into the ring and ganged up on Casimero and his Filipino handlers.

Casimero then scored a split decision over Mexican Pedro Guevara to retain the crown in Mexico  on Aug. 4, 2012.

Also to be feted are Filipino and international champions as well as the year’s best promoter, trainer, judge and referee, the best fight of the year and  most promising boxer as well as individuals and institutions which contributed to the promotion of professional boxing in 2012.

A special boxing card for the night pits WBC No.7 light flyweight contender Jonathan Taconing,  Philippine bantamweight champion Monico Laurente,  Phl No. 7 jr. lightweight contender Juan Martin “Bai” Elorde, grandson of Flash Elorde,  Gimuel Magramo and Fritz Bolinquet against top-rated fighters .

For more info about the event, call up Beth or May 09162423657 and 8250625