Yulo to receive Sports Hero award

MANILA, Philippines — Two-time Paris Olympic gymnastics gold medalist Carlos Yulo will be feted with the first-ever Outstanding Sports Hero trophy, a departure from the usual boxing honors, in the second Pacquiao-Elorde Awards Night at the Okada Manila Grand Ballroom, New Seaside, Parañaque tonight.

It was former eight-division aworld boxing champion Manny Pacquiao who suggested to expand the honors to other sports at the first Awards Night last year. Pacquiao will deliver an inspirational message during the program. Former DILG secretary Benhur Abalos, whose father Mandaluyong Mayor Benjamin played a key role in paving the pathway to Pacquiao’s success, will also speak as guest of honor.

WBC minimumweight ruler Melvin Jerusalem and IBF minimumweight titleholder Pedro Taduran will be recognized as Boxers of the Year. WBA atomweight queen Norj Guro, a southpaw from Lanao del Norte, leads a group of 23 international/regional champions who will be honored. Six Philippine champions will also be cited.

Acclaimed international judge and referee Bruce McTavish will be given the Ring Excellence Award. Boxing announcer Ted Lerner, matchmaker Art Monis, Ramon Elorde, WBO, “Blow By Blow,” Okada Manila and Rotary Club Manila Premier will receive citations. Posthumous honors will be accorded Chino Trinidad, Ferdie Estrella, Ding Cabanela and Gerald Bassig. Other awardees are JC Manangquil as best manager, Mohammad Aquil Tamano as best judge, Jerold Tomeldan as best referee, Michael Domingo as best trainer, Vincent Lacar and Arvin John Paciones as most promising boxers and Albert Francisco vs. Dennis Endar as best fight of the year. In the amateurs, Paris Olympic medalists Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas will be recognized.

To serve as aperitif, eight fights will usher in the awards program. The main event pits former IBF minimumweight titlist Rene Mark Cuarto against Arvin Magramo in a 12-round bout for the vacant WBC International lightflyweight crown.