Donaire named BWAA “Fighter of the Year”

MANILA, Phillippines – Following an unprecedented 4 wins in 2012, World Boxing Organization (WBO) junior featherweight champion Nonito Donaire was named “Fighter of Year” by the Boxing Writers Association of America.  

In a sport where 2-fights a year are a norm, Donaire amazed the boxing community with victories over Wilfredo Vazquez, Jr., Jeffrey Mathebula, Toshiaki Nishioka and Jorge Arce last year. His last two wins were by knockout extending his 11-year winning streak to 30 bouts. 

The Filipino Flash was also also named 2012 Fighter of the Year by Yahoo! Sports, ESPN, Sports Illustrated, and USA Today.

Donaire’s trainer, former International Boxing Federation junior lightweight champion Robert Garcia, was named the Eddie Futch “Trainer of the Year.” 

Top Rank promoter Bob Arum said 2012 was the year Donaire came into his own and that, he will do even greater things in 2013 and beyond.” He adds Donaire, “will become the next big pay-per-view star.” 

The Manny Pacquiao – Juan Manuel Márquez 4 fight was named “Fight of the Year.”  Pacquiao was BWAA “Fighter of the Year” in 2006, 2008 and 2009 the only other Filipino to be awarded the honor. 

The BWAA Awards Dinner will be held in New York later this year. – Rappler.com