Donaire, Nietes honored in ‘Da Flash’ Memorial rites

MANILA, Philippines - Two warriors who have consistently received the distinction as Boxer of the Year awardees for seven consecutive years, and two others who surged to international fame with their first title wins in 2014, will receive pro boxing’s highest accolade during the 15th Gabriel “Flash” Elorde Memorial Awards and Banquet of Champions tonight at the Manila Hotel.

Super bantamweight Nonito Donaire and light flyweight Donnie Nietes will receive their seventh Boxer of the Year honors, which elevates them to the elite Elorde Hall of Fame, joining first recipient Manny Pacquiao.

The Elorde Awards has PCSO, Contour Rehabilitation and Wellness Inc., Hapee Toothpaste, COBRA, Pagcor, Manila Hotel, Rotary Club Manila 101, Southpaw Bar, Bai & Mig Party Favors and the Elorde Sports Center as presenters.

Two other boxers from the Class of 2014 – IBF kings Randy Petalcorin and Rey Loreto – are the other recipients of the top awards to be presented by the Elorde clan, headed by the legend’s wife Laura, and guest of honor and speaker Sen. Aquilino “Koko”Pimentel III.

The program starts at 3 p.m. with boxing bouts in “Boxing Kontra Droga” featuring four championship duels and two undercard matches with 2 Elorde grandsons Juan Martin and Juan Miguel fighting for the WBO Asia Pacific titles, after which the formal awards and banquet of champions follow at 7 p.m.

Laura Elorde, wife of Bai Elorde, will deliver the welcome address while Games and Amusements Board chairman Juan Ramon Guanzon gives the opening remarks.

The Elorde Class of 2014 will include 36 international and 13 national champions who will take center stage in the Elorde Awards Night held in honor of the 30th death anniversary and 80th birth anniversary of Flash Elorde, world junior lightweight champion from 1960-67.

International and regional champions, former world champions as well as best promoter, best referee, trainer, judge, most promising boxer and best fight of the year will receive special citations. Nesthy Petecio and Charly Suarez will receive the Best Amateur awards while 1964 Olympic silver medalist Anthony Villanueva, who passed away in 2014, will be honored posthumously.

The masters of ceremony are Liza Vicencio Elorde and Ted Lerner. For tickets please call 8250625, 8264463, 09771456608 and 09172504156.