Jaro boxer of the year in Elorde Awards

MANILA, Philippines - Sonny Boy Jaro, who scored the Upset of the Year with a sixth-round stoppage of WBC flyweight champion Pongsak Wongjongkam,  will be honored as boxer of the year in the 13th Elorde Memorial Awards and Banquet of Champions on March 25 at the Sofitel Hotel.

Jaro, 32,  knocked down the 35-year-old Thai four times before the referee stopped the fight in Chonburi, Thailand on March 2, 2012.

Although he ceded the crown to Japanese Toshiyuki Igarashi by split decision in July, Jaro’s crashing win earned him a place in the annual Elorde Memorial Awards, held in honor of International Hall of Famer and former world junior lightweight champion Gabriel “Flash” Elorde.

The awards rites, which will also commemorate the 78th birth anniversary of Da Flash, will be presented by the Elorde family led by the legend’s wife Laura and sponsored by Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, Procter and Gamble, Alaxan, Sanicare and Cobra Energy Drink.

Jaro joins IBF light flyweight champion Jonriel Casimero, WBO and WBA flyweight titleholder Brian Viloria and WBO light flyweight ruler Donnie Nietes who will be presented the boxers of the year awards.

WBO and WBA flyweight champion Nonito Donaire Jr. who won all his four world title bouts in 2012, will receive the Flash Elorde Memorial Belt, awarded to the most outstanding Filipino world champion of the year.

Also to be feted are Filipino and international champions of Class 2012.

Special awards will be presented to Ronnie Nathanielsz (sportswriter/boxing commentator), Bruce McTavish (international referee), Dr. Jose Unabia (Games & Amusement Board ring physician), Mark Anthony Barriga (2012 London Olympics qualifier) and former WBC international flyweight champion Jonathan Peñalosa.

Recipients of the Top Honorees award are Michael Aldeguer (best promoter), Silvestre Abainza (best referee), Edmund Villamor (best trainer) Rey Danseco (best judge) and WBC silver minimumweight champion Denver Cuello Singwancha (most promising boxer).

The best fight of the year was fought by Renan Trongco and Leonel Legada for the youth intercontinental light flyweight championship on Oct. 28, 2012.

To be awarded citations are Cobra Energy Drink, Rotary Club of Manila 101, international boxing promoter Naris Singwancha and Sofitel Hotel.

Information:  Beth or May 09162423657 and 8250625