With wife Jinkee by his side, Manny Pacquiao received the “Fighter of the Year” award for 2006 by the Boxing Writers Association during a ceremony in New York Saturday (in Manila), ABS-CBN News reported.
This is the first time in its 82-year history, that a Filipino or an Asian received the prestigious award. The ceremony was held in the elegant Copa Cabana Club.
Pacquiao was recognized for defending his championship belt and defeating Mexicans Erik Morales, Jorge Solis, and Oscar Larios.
Popularly known as “Pacman” and “People’s Champ”, Pacman sits along the likes of Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Leonard, and Joe Lewis as recipients of the prized award.
The Filipino boxing champ said he is proud to be included among the legendary fighters of all time. “Naghirap ako dugo at pawis, pasalamat ako sa pamilya at sa Panginoon. (I sacrificed blood and sweat and I want to thank my family and God),” Pacman said.
In the next few days, the boxing hero is expected to know who his next opponent would be this September. He named Veneuzuelan Edwin Valero, Dominican Joan Guzman, and Mexican Cesar Soto as possible contenders for his championship belt. He added that a rematch with Juan Manuel Marquez is also being looked at.
When asked if a match with Marco Antonio Barerra is being organized? “Hindi pa siguro (Not yet),” Pacquiao said.
