CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY– The Games and Amusements Board (GAB) has named International Boxing Federation (IBF) Super Bantamweight Champion Manny Pacquiao as its Boxer of the Year 2003 in its yearend ratings.
The citation took into consideration the successful defense of Pacquiao”s IBF title against Manuel Lucero and his methodical demolition of Mexican boxing icon Marco Antonio Barrera. Pacquiao knocked out Lucero inside six rounds while he stopped Barrera in the 11th round for TKO win that installed him as the uncrowned featherweight champion of the world.
GAB also cited Rodel Mayol as Boxer of the Month for December for wresting the Orient Pacific Boxing Federation Straw weight title with a sensational stoppage of his Japanese opponent.
