Four Filipino prizefighters quietly delivered a big punch last year, helping ease the pain of a nation grieving over the misfortune that befell ring legend Manny Pacquiao.
Brian Viloria, Johnriel Casimero, Donnie Nietes, and Sonny Boy Jaro made it to the big stage after succeeding in their respective world title quests on a year best remembered for the rise to fame of Nonito Donaire, Jr. and the fall from grace of the Pacman.
For achieving the feats, Viloria, Casimero, Nietes, and Jaro will be honored as co-winner of the professional boxer of the year award during the prestigious, two-hour PSA-Milo Annual Awards Night on March 16 at the Manila Hotel ballroom.
?They all deserve to be feted and share the spotlight when we honor the big achievers of 2012 in two weeks time,? said PSA president Rey Bancod of Tempo after a board meeting.
For his amazing achievement on a year that saw him defend his crown three times in a busy reign as world champion, Donaire was named one of four winners of the highly-coveted Athlete of the Year award given annually by the country?s oldest association of media practitioners.
Josie Gabuco, the first Filipina to win a world title in amateur boxing, the multi-titled Ateneo Blue Eagles, and the world champion Manila women?s softball squad, will share the top award with Donaire in recognition of their glittering feats that highlighted local sports last year.
A lot of others like pro cager Mark Caguioa, jockey Jonathan Hernandez, pro golfer Tony Lascuna, horse Hagdang Bato, amateur cager Bobby Ray Parks, and amateur golfer Dottie Ardina will be feted during the rites backed by the Philippine
Sports Commission, Globalport 900, Rain or Shine, Philippine Basketball Association, Smart, LBC, Senator Chiz Escudero, and ICTSI at Philippine Golf Tour.
Bancod said the board is now in the process of finalizing the list of awardees, including the recipients of the Antonio Siddayao plum, citations, and other special awards like the National Sports Association of the Year.
