Boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao will grace the Gabriel ?Flash? Elorde Memorial Awards tomorrow at the Centennial Hall of the Manila Hotel where President Arroyo will induct him into the Elorde Hall of Fame.
Pacquiao becomes the first Pinoy boxer to earn the distinction, having been named boxer of the year for the past seven years, the same number of years Flash Elorde was world junior lightweight king ? from 1960 to 1967.
Sharing the honors with Pacquiao are fellow world champions Gerry Pe?alosa (WBO bantamweight), Nonito Donaire (IBF super-flyweight), Florante Condes (IBF minimumweight) and Donnie Nietes (WBO minimumweight).
RP featherweight champion Vinvin Rufino will defend his Philippine crown against top challenger Jack Asis in the main event of a unique boxing card spicing up the awards rites.
Sponsored by Pagcor, Lonsdale, PCSO, the Department of Tourism and Raymundo?s Trophies and Sculptures, the awards rites will also include 33 other world and international champions plus 17 Philippine champions.
In the supporting main event, Pan Asia Boxing Association lightweight champion Dennis Laurente faces Khondorani Por Surasak of Thailand in 10 rounds at 140 lbs.
Expected to be a show-stealer is the encounter between lady boxers Marnelle Verano from Terry Mogg stable and Cheraly Dagit of Vic Adriano stable in four rounds at 112 lbs.
