The World Boxing Council (WBC) named popular boxer Manny Pacquiao “World Boxer of the Year”. José Sulaiman, WBC president made the announcement in a telephone interview with Standard Today and reported by Philboxing.com
“It was unanimously decided by the board of governors to honor Pacquiao for his remarkable achievements this year alone”. Sulaiman said
The award is obviously made in recognition of the recent victory of Manny Pacquiao over David Diaz for the WBC Lightweight Championship and his demolition of Oscar de la Hoya in their classic “Dream Match” held recently at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas Nevada.
The award was a timely “gift” to the Philippine boxing hero by WBC on his 30th birthday which Pacquiao celebrated last December 17th 2008 in his province in Southern Philippines.
Sulaiman said that he was particularly happy and proud to see the WBC belt being raised during the ceremonies at the MGM Grand for the Pacquiao-de la Hoya “Dream Match” which was seen on television from all over the world and pay-per-view audience which registered close to 1.5 million hits, the biggest in 2008.
In a related development, Manny Pacquiao had a very successful 30th birthday celebrations the other day in his home province in Southern Philippines. Gracing the occasion were Bob Arum of Top Rank Boxing, Manny Pacquiao’s Trainer Freddie Roach, Former WBC Champion David Diaz, undefeated boxer Edwin Valero and other national and local officials. Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo was the guest of honor.
In a television interview the other day Arum said that Manny Pacquiao will fight Ricky Hatton in Las Vegas, Nevada on May 2, 2009. He said that everything will be finalized within the next ten days