IN PHOTOS: Boxing's best in the 12th Elorde Awards

MANILA, Philippines – Filipino boxers unite.

From veteran boxers to newly professional fighters, all gathered at Dusit Thani hotel for the 12th Elorde Boxing Awards and what would have been international champion boxer Gabriel ‘Flash’ Elorde’s 77th birthday.

About 19 Philippine champions and 45 international/regional champions were recognized in the annual awards. World Champions Ana Julaton, Donnie Nietes, Brian Viloria and Nonito Donaire were named boxers of the years while Rep. Manny Pacquiao was the guest of honor and the recipient of a special ‘Man for Others’ award.

Honors for best promoter, Michael Aldeguer; best trainer, Edito Ala Villamor; best judge, Rey Danesco; and best referee, Danrex Tapdasan, were also given out.

There were several bouts before and after the program, including a thrilling bout for the Philippine Welterweight Championship between Dennis Laurente and Eusebio Baluarte, wherein Laurente retained his title via 12th round technical knockout.

The prestigious event was hosted by Liza Vicencio Elorde and Ted Lerner.

A MAN FOR OTHERS. Rep. Manny Pacquiao was given a 'Man for Others' award, and was the guest of honor and speaker. March 25, 2012. Hanz Lustre.

UP AND COMING STARS. International and regional champions from all over the country were recognized in the 12th Elorde awards. March 25, 2012. Hanz Lustre.

LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMP. Al Sabaupan received an award for being the IBF Pan Pacific lightweight champion. March 25, 2012. Hanz Lustre.

ARIZA ARRIVAL. Manny Pacquiao's conditioning coach, Alex Ariza, arrived at the awards night to show his support. March 25, 2012. Hanz Lustre.

AMIR IN THE PHILIPPINES. British Pakistani fighter Amir Khan is in the country to train with Manny Pacquiao's camp as he preps for Timothy Bradley. March 25, 2012. Hanz Lustre.

REFEREE. Atty. Danrex Tapdasan was awarded best referee. March 25, 2012. Hanz Lustre.

PROUD FIGHTERS. Boxers Donnie Nietes and Denver Cuelo at the 12th Elorde awards. March 25, 2012. Hanz Lustre. \

BOXER OF THE YEAR. Donnie Nietes shows off his championship belt. March 25, 2012. Hanz Lustre.

LAURENTE RETAINS TITLE. Dennis Laurente defeated Eusebio Baluerte to retain his Philippine welterweight title, via 12th round knock out. March 25, 2012. Hanz Lustre.