Pacman, 2 others enshrined to immortality in ‘casting’

MANILA, Philippines — Former multi-division champions Manny Pacquiao and Nonito Donaire and former world welterweight titleholder Bernabe Villacampo will be enshrined to immortality in the “Casting of the Fist”, one of the highlights of the 18th Gabriel “Flash” Elorde Memorial Awards and Banquet of Champions on March 25 at the Grandballroom of the Okada Manila.

Pacquiao, Donaire and Villacampo are among former champions still alive who will join former titlists whose fists had already been cast in previous Elorde awards rites. 

They are former WBC junior bantamweight/WBO bantamweight titlist Gerry Peñalosa, former WBC jr. lightweight champion Rolando Navarrete, former WBC light flyweight champion Rolando Pascua, former WBC jr. lightweight champion Rene Barrientos, former IBF world super flyweight titleholder Tacy Macalos, former IBF junior flyweight and flyweight king Dodie Boy Peñalosa and current WBO champion Donnie Nietes.

“Every year we produce world champions in various divisions of the six world boxing organizations. The annual Elorde Awards seeks to immortalize them through the casting of the fist,” said Laura Elorde, wife of the boxing legend, who is producing the show together with Johnny Elorde Management International, the Gabriel “Flash” Elorde Foundation, COBRA, Siked Up Sports Apparel, Omega Pain Killer, Southpaw Bar & Grill and the Elorde Sports Center.

Taking the center stage in the annual awards, which coincides with the 83rd birth anniversary of Da Flash, are the 2017 Boxers of the Year – IBF world super flyweight champion Jerwin Ancajas, WBO world bantamweight titleholder Marlon Tapales and IBF world light flyweight king Milan Melindo.

Also on stage to receive citations are the Class of 2017 -- eight Philippine champions and 39 international and world champions in nine weight divisions of the World Boxing Council, World Boxing Association, World Boxing Organization, International Boxing Federation, International Boxing Association and International Boxing Organization as well as various other continental boxing groups.

Separate awards will also be presented to outstanding amateurs, best promoter, best judge, referee, trainer and most promising boxer and best fight of the year.

Special citations will also be awarded to individuals and institutions that have contributed to the development of pro boxing as well as boxing personalities who passed away the previous year.

The event is held annually in memory of Flash Elorde, whose uninterrupted reign as junior lightweight world champion for seven consecutive years from 1960 enshrined him to the World and International Hall of Fame.

For more information of this event which will also have big championship boxing matches before the awards, please contact 09172504156, 09390617319  and 8250625 and look for Beth, May or Liza.