Manny Pacquaio, a 130-pounder from the Philippines, was honored as fighter of the year by the Boxing Writers Association of America, while his trainer, Freddie Roach, was trainer of the year. Pacquaio won three times in 2006.
The 122-pound bout in France between Somsak Sithchatchawal and Mahyar Monshipour last March 18 was named fight of the year. Muhammad Ali was honored with the Pat Putnam Award for Perseverance.
Other award winners included HBO’s Larry Merchant for long and meritorious service, and Showtime’s Steve Albert for broadcast excellence.
The awards will be presented at the 82nd BWAA dinner in June. Buffalo News sports reporter Tim Graham is president of the boxing writers.
