Honoring the country's top pugilists

MANILA, Philippines – Over 50 world, international and Philippine champions were honored last Saturday during the 11th Gabriel “Flash” Elorde Memorial Boxing Awards-Banquet of Champions” at the Grand Ballroom of the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Hotel.

No less than boxing icon Manny Pacquiao led the honorees as the “Quintessential Athlete” for his achievements in and outside the ring, while 2010 world champions Nonito Donaire, Donnie Nietes and Ana Julaton were likewise feted in the rites held in memory of seven-year junior lightweight champion and Hall of Famer Flash Elorde.

Pacquiao, accompanied by his training team, took time off his rigid training in Baguio City to take part in the event as guest of honor and speaker.

The Banquet of Champions included 40 world and international champions – five each in the strawweight, lightflyweight, flyweight, superflyweight, bantamweight and superbantamweight, two each in the featherweight, superfeatherweight, lightweight and superlightweight, and 15 Filipino title holders. Also present were retired world champions led by Rene Barrientos, Erbito Salavaria and Rolando Navarette.

This video features the event's highlights along with interviews with some of the awardees, including boxing phenoms Drian Francisco and AJ Banal.

Capping up the star-studded affair was a unification bout between WBC international champion Jonathan Taconing and WBC silver belt holder Lookdiew Tor Buamad of Thailand. The Filipino won via third-round knockout.

The event is organized by the Johnny Elorde Management International in coordination with co-presentor Cobra Energy Drink, Sanicare Kitchen Towels, Family Rubbing Alcohol, Motolite, Proctor and Gambol, the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, Smart, Samsung, Sofitel Hotel and the Elorde Gyms.