Nietes top boxer in Elorde Awards

MANILA, Philippines - Donnie Nietes, undefeated champion of the WBO minimum weight division since 2007, will have an honored place in the elite circle of 2010 world champions as one of the top boxers of the year during the 11th Gabriel “Flash” Elorde Memorial Boxing Awards and Banquet of Champions slated March 25 at the Grand Ballroom of the Sofitel Hotel.

The 29-year-old Nietes retained his title with a unanimous decision over Mexico’s Mario Rodriguez in Sinalosa, Mexico on Aug. 14 last year to earn the highest accolade for boxers in 2010 during the annual awards to be held in honor of former world junior lightweight champion and Hall of Famer Flash Elorde, who reigned from 1960 to 1967.

It was the fourth successful title defense for the Filipino champion, nicknamed “Ahas”, who wrested the crown, via a unanimous decision, from then undefeated Pornsawarn Kratingdaengym of Thailand at the Waterfront-Cebu Hotel on Sept. 20, 2007.

His first title defense was a TKO win over Eddy Castro at 2:49 of the second round on Aug. 30, 2008. He retained the title anew with a unanimous decision over Erik Ramirez on Feb. 2009 and fought again in the same year, on Sept. 12, to retain the crown against interim champion Manuel Vargas by split decision.

He will join boxing legend Manny Pacquiao, World Boxing Organization super bantamweight titleholder Ana Julaton and former superflyweight champion Nonito Donaire, who made a dramatic entry into the bantamweight division with a fourth-round knockout of tough Wladimir Sidorenko on Dec. 4, 2010 for the vacant WBC Continental Americas bantamweight diadem.

Pacquiao, who was inducted into the Elorde Hall of Fame in 2009 for his seven titles in as many weight divisions, will receive a special award for his eight titles in eight divisions last year.

He will serve as guest of honor and speaker during the awards rites which will also honor world and international titlists Drian Francisco, Silvestre Lopez and AJ Banal.

The Elorde Banquet of Champions will also be a grand reunion of present and retired world champions with the confirmed attendance of boxing greats Rolando Navarette, Rene Barrientos, Bernabe Villacampo, Erbito Salavarria, Eric Chavez, Ronnie Magramo, Rolando Pascua and Peñalosa brothers Gerry, Dodie Boy and Jonathan and former international champions Rey “Boom Boom” Bautista and Z Gorres.

Laura Elorde, wife of Da Flash, and the Elorde clan will be on hand to present the awards, which include posthumous citations and awards for best fight and outstanding referees, promoters and boxing personalities and entities that have contributed to pro boxing in 2010.

The event is organized by the Johnny Elorde International Management and the Gabriel “Flash” Elorde Foundation in coordination with co-presenter Cobra Energy Drink, Sanicare, Kitchen Towels, Family Rubbing Alcohol, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, SMART, Samsung and the Elorde Gyms.

Details: Elorde office at 826-4463, 825-9385 or 0922-8507174.