Nonito Donaire, the busiest and winningest among Filipino boxers in 2012, will be honored with the Elorde Memorial Award, the highest recognition in professional boxing, in ceremonies to be held March 25 at the ballroom of the Sofitel Philippine Plaza.
The affair is sponsored by Cobra Energy Drink, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR).
Donaire, 30, will receive the award, to be conferred for the first time in the annual Gabriel ?Flash? Elorde Boxing Awards and Banquet of Champions, for his singular achievement in 2012 ? a stunning fourth straight wins that ranked him fifth in Ring Magazine?s 2012 roster of pound-for-pound fighters of the world.
Laura Elorde, wife of one of the country?s boxing legends, said Donaire will be the first honoree to receive the memorial belt, a rare recognition bestowed upon by the Elorde family.
Others who will be honored as boxers of the year for winning world crowns in 2012 are WBA/WBO flyweight king Brian Viloria, WBO light flyweight titlist Donnie Nietes, IBF light flyweight ruler Johnriel Casimero and WBC flyweight champion Sonny Boy Jaro.
