MANILA, Philippines - The past, present and future boxing champions from the Philippines will gather under one roof on March 25 for the 13th Elorde Memorial Awards at the Sofitel Hotel.
Manny Pacquiao, the only boxer to win world titles in eight different divisions, will be the main guest of honor in the glittery affair that starts at 7 p.m.
Reigning WBO super-bantamweight champion Nonito Donaire, set to defend his title against Guillermo Rigondeaux on April 16, will receive the Flash Elorde Memorial Belt.
Other boxers who will be honored in the annual affair are WBO and WBA flyweight king Brian Viloria, IBF light-fly champion John Riel Casimero, WBO light-flyweight titlist Donnie Nietes and former WBC flyweight title holder Sonny Boy Jaro.
“It’s one big affair,†said Liza Elorde, daughter-in-law of the great Gabriel “Flash†Elorde and wife of boxing promoter Johnny Elorde during yesterday’s PSA Forum at Shakey’s Malate.
“For the 13th straight year we are giving recognition to our outstanding boxers and the people who are responsible for the development of boxing in the Philippines,†said Elorde.
She said that since Donaire could not come to the affair, the 2012 Fighter of the Year is sending a message via Youtube.
Highlight of the evening are five bouts starting at 5 p.m. Juan Martin “Bai†Elorde disputes the WBO Asia Pacific super-featherweight title against Thailand’s Maxsaisai Sithsaithong.
Monico Laurente and Elmar Francisco will square off for the Phl bantamweight title while Jonathan Taconing takes on Yodpichai Sithsaithong in a scheduled 10-rounder at 112 lb.
Giemel Magramo and Ruben Traza will figure in a six-round bout at 112 lb while Fritz Marvin Bolinguit collides with Pablito Garcia for four rounds at 118 lb.