U.S. writers honor Pacquiao

HAIL TO THE CHAMP: Manny Pacquiao (c.) receives the 2008 Fighter of the Year Award from the Boxing Writers Association of America.

The best boxer in the world Manny Pacquiao, who received the 2008 Fighter of the Year award in New York on June 12, will join the ranks of Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier, Sugar Ray Leonard and Evander Holyfield if he continues to shine in 2009.

Ali, Frazier, Leonard and Holyfield are so far the only fighters to have won the award three times since the Boxing Writers Association of America (BWAA) started giving the award in 1938, the year heavyweight Jack Dempsey won it.

Pacquiao was BWAA top fighter in 2006, when he knocked out Erik Morales twice, and was named the best for 2008, the year he defeated Juan Manuel Marquez, David Diaz and Oscar De La Hoya in different weight classes. 
No fighter in history has won the BWAA top plum four times.

Listed as two-time winners are Carmen Basilio, Floyd Patterson, Dick Tiger, George Foreman, Thomas Hearns, Marvin Hagler, Mike Tyson, Pernell Whitaker, James Toney and Pacquiao, now the reigning International Boxing Organization (IBO) light-welterweight champion.

Ali won the award in 1965, ’74 and ’75, sharing it with Frazier following their classic Thrilla in Manila battle. Frazier also won it in 1969 and ’71. Leonard was tops in 1976, ’79 and ’81, and Holyfield in 1990, ’96 and ’97.

BWAA president Jack Hirsch, in a report that came out of philboxing.com, said Pacquiao’s sensational victory over Ricky Hatton on May 2 just made him an early candidate for the 2009 award.

Pacquiao is scheduled to fight in October, and whether it’s against Floyd Mayweather Jr., Miguel Cotto or Shane Mosley, another victory may just seal it for the 30-year-old pound-for-pound champion.

Pacquiao has also talked about retirement, and philboxing.com added that Roach, who received his third Trainer of the Year award (after 2003 and ’06), had said two more fights and that should be it.

Pacquiao almost missed gracing the BWAA awards night at the Capitale in New York, and had to take a late flight to the Big Apple from Manila last Friday morning. He was in New York just hours before the 7:30 p.m. affair.

In his acceptance speech, where he spoke fluently in English, aided by a teleprompter, Pacquiao said it was “a great honor” to be chosen as the top fighter for 2008.

“It is for this reason that I chose to travel half across the globe to personally receive this award tonight,” said Pacquiao in his classic dark suit and gray tie. He came with his wife Jinkee.

Pacquiao praised the BWAA for its “long existence” and looked at the members in saying “you have passed the test of time.” He was given a standing ovation as he prepared to accept the award.

“Choosing me as the fighter of the year in 2006 was the highest accolade in my boxing career. Giving it to me for the second time leaves me with no words to express the joy and how grateful I feel.

“It would surely pain me not to come accept this prestigious award personally. I want to let you know that it is a privilege to personally receive this award and thank everybody for their trust and confidence you have given me,” he added.

He also promised that boxing fans “will see a more exciting Manny Pacquiao, every round, every minute, every second I fight on the top of the ring.”
Pacquiao thanked the Filipino nation, his family, his promoter Bob Arum, trainer Freddie Roach, and members of Team Pacquiao.

“I also hope that this award will serve as an example and an inspiration for the young fighters to believe in themselves and keep on dreaming big. Always remember, your dreams will always be inside you. No one can take it away.

“Having this award now is really larger than life; having to follow in the footprints of the legendary fighters. But I didn’t do it all by myself. I had the help and support of many people,” he added.

Back to top