Super featherweight sensation, Manny Pacquiao, was the toast of the 82nd Annual Boxing Writers Association of America’s Awards Dinner, held at the Copacabana in New York City.
The Pilipino star, also known as “Pac Man,” received the Edward J. Neil Fighter of the Year honor for 2006 based on his two stoppage victories of Erik Morales and a decision win over Oscar Larios.
Pacquiao’s trainer Freddie Roach was honored with the Futch-Condon Award for Trainer of the Year, presented by trainer/promoter Tommy Gallagher.
“I would like to thank my father, who introduced me to a boxing gym at the age of six, and to my idol, Eddie Futch – the reason I’m here today,” said Roach.
The March 2006 slugfest in suburban Paris between Somsak Sithchatchawal and Mahyar Monshipour, was chosen for the Harry Markson Award as Fight of the Year.
Monshipour, who was stopped in 10 brutal rounds to yield his WBA junior featherweight crown, was present at the Copacabana to accept the award.
The Iranian-born Frenchman Monshipour, stated: “It’s an honor to be here and represent boxing from Europe to the United States.”
Light heavyweight champion, Bernard Hopkins, was on hand to present the award to Monshipour.
HBO’s Larry Merchant received the James J. Walker Award for Long and Meritorious Service. Walker award presenter, Lou DiBella, referred to Merchant as a friend and mentor.
Among many intriguing comments made by Merchant during his acceptance speech, the former Philadelphia Bulletin writer recalled receiving many eloquently written letters in the mail from Hall of Fame light heavyweight Archie Moore – explaining his philosophies on boxing and life in general.
“This award is most meaningful to me because it comes from the boxing writers,” exclaimed Merchant.
Former WBA heavyweight champion John Ruiz presented Lee Samuels and Ricardo Jimenez, both of Top Rank, with the Marvin Kohn “Good Guy” Award.
Long-time boxing analyst Al Bernstein presented and discussed Muhammad Ali’s recognition with the Pat Putnam Award for Perseverance in Overcoming Adversity:
“Pat Putnam created legends for 30 years…it was Pat Putnam who had the closest proximity to Muhammad Ali during his rise to prominence – first at the Miami Herald and later at Sports Illustrated…together they created the greatest legend of all time.”
The most moving speech of the evening came from New York State Athletic Commission Chairman, Ron Scott Stevens, who emotionally praised his parents, both of whom passed away at an early age, for their invaluable guidance. Stevens was awarded the James A. Farley Award for Honesty & Integrity in Boxing.
“Without sports, I would have been lost as a kid. Without boxing, I would have been lost as a man. Boxing helped me find my way,” said Stevens.
Kevin Iole, of the Las Vegas Review-Journal, received the Nat Fleischer Award for Excellence in Boxing Journalism.
The Sam Taub Award for Excellence in Broadcast Journalism was awarded to Showtime’s Steve Albert.
First-place winners for this year’s Barney Awards, recognizing the best work of BWAA members, included:
The Chicago Tribune’s Michael Hirsley, who took two first-place finishes respectively, for Boxing Column, “Hard Knocks: The Quarry’s,” and Boxing News Story for “Boxing Oasis Takes Some Hard Hits.”
Hirsley, who is about to retire, stated: “It’s been my pleasure to be part of this organization and compete with these wonderful journalists.”
Steve Springer of the Los Angeles Times took first place in the category of Boxing Event Coverage for “De La Hoya Can Still Fight the Good Fight.”
Mark Kram won Boxing Feature (under 2,500 words) for his piece entitled “Gypsy Joe, They Haven’t Forgotten,” in the Philadelphia Daily News.
For Boxing Feature (over 2,500 words), BWAA President Tim Graham of The Buffalo News, took top honors for his penning of “Jimmy Slattery: Toast Of The Town.”
The San Antonio Express-News’ John Whisler won first prize for Boxing Investigative Reporting with “El Pugilista: Boxing’s Hold On Hispanic Culture.”
SecondsOut.com’s own Thomas Hauser was recognized with a 2nd and 3rd place finish, respectively, in Boxing Investigative Reporting and Boxing Feature (under 2,500 words).
Top Action Photos honors were bestowed upon Showtime’s Tom Casino (1st place), Marty Rosengarten (2nd place) and Ed Mulholland (3rd place).
Al Bello of Getty Images, Sean Fitzgerald and Will Hart, took 1st, 2nd and 3rd place finishes respectively for Feature Photos.
Kudos goes to the BWAA’s Tim Graham and Steve Farhood, and Event Coordinator Gina Andriolo, for conceiving and coordinating this impressive event.
