Julaton, four others honored as Elorde boxers of the year

MANILA, Philippines - World Boxing Organization super bantamweight champion Ana Julaton is the lone woman honoree as boxer of the year 2011 as she joins boxing icon Manny Pacquiao and three others in the 12th Elorde Boxing Awards/Banquet of Champions slated March 25 at the Dusit Thani Hotel.

Julaton retained her WBO junior featherweight title with a 10-round unanimous decision over Francesca Alcanter of Kansas City at the Craneway Pavilion in Point Richmond, California on Feb. 25, 2011.

On Sept. 30 of the same year, The Hurricane retained her WBO super bantamweight title also with a unanimous win over Mexican Jessica Villafranca in Yucatan, Mexico.

This is the second straight year Julaton, from Daly City, California, will be accorded Philippine boxing’s highest honor, given to Filipinos who held world boxing crowns during the previous year.

Also with her as recipients of the Boxer of the Year award during the rites held in honor of the 77th birth anniversary of Flash Elorde, one of the world’s greatest boxers in the 60s, are WBO welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao, WBC/WBO bantamweight titleholder Nonito Donaire, WBO flyweight king Brian Viloria and WBO light flyweight champion Donnie Nietes.

Manny Pacquiao, who will receive a special citation for his humanitarian contributions, will be the guest of honor and speaker during the formal ceremonies which will also honor international and Philippine champions.

Others to be awarded are the most promising boxer, best fight, best promoter, manager, trainer, judge and referee, sports patrons who contributed to pro boxing and former champions who passed away in 2011.

On hand to present the awards are the Elorde clan, led by Flash Elorde’s wife Laura.

Sponsoring the event are Cobra Energy Drink, the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, Colgate Palmolive, Smart, Sanicare and Procter and Gamble.