DE LA HOYA, PANONCILLO, GELLO-ANI RECEIVE WBO AWARDS
By Salven L. Lagumbay
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 04 Nov 2007
Boxing great Oscar De la Hoya has been awarded as "Boxer of the Decade" by the World Boxing Organization in its annual convention held in Puerto Rico.
Also, in front of the Executive Committee Assembly meeting last October 30, 2007, Leon Panoncillo was cited by the president Mr. Francisco Valcarcel and was given a plaque as a SPECIAL RECOGNITION for a job well done in the Asia Pacific region.
"This award in the speech made by the President and in front of the Executive Committee Board of Directors, recognized me for going the extra mile providing invaluable support that have put the World Boxing Organization respectfully and permanently in the Asian Countries for the World Boxing Organization," said Panoncillo in a long-distance interview.
Valcarcel also stated that Panoncillo has doubled the sanctioned championship bouts more ever than before, and especially was more surprised of the success of the YOUTH titles that have created opportunities for Youth's from 23yrs and under, who now can showcase their skills even before enering the world ranking status and getting the recognition that they deserve.
"The total count from January 2007 thru October 2007 on regional are 38 regional WBO Asia Pacific, 26 WBO Inter-con and 17 WBO ASPAC Youth total out to be 81 WBO regional championships with Asia Pacific leading the pack, and the year is not yet over, more to come," reported Panoncillo.
The rest of the awardees at the 2007 WBO 20th annual convention are:
1) WBO Asia Pacific Fighter of the year Rey Boom Boom Bautista (Philippines)
2) WBO Asia Pacific fight of the year - Czar Amonsot vs. Da-Woon Jung (Philippines) (Korea)
3) WBO Asia Pacific YOUTH of the year Daud Yordan (Indonesia)
4) WBO Asia Pacific Promoter of the year SGG Promotions, Mr. Sammy Gelo-ani
5) WBO Asia Pacific Special Recognition for an outstanding achievment and a job well done in Asia Pacific Mr. Leon Panoncillo, Jr.
6) WBO Asia Pacific Special recognition award for New Zealand / Australia, Mr. John Glozier
7) WBO Asia Pacific Special recognition award for Thailand, Mr. Kokiet Panichayarom
Top photo: Leon Panoncillo (L) and Sammy Gello-ani during one of the press conferences held in Cebu. Photo by Dong Secuya.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Salven L. Lagumbay.
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