PSA to honor boxing champs, ‘dragon’ rowers

MANILA, Philippines—Three world boxing champions, two each in billiards and wushu, and one in dragon boat, headline the list of major awardees to be recognized by the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) during its March 3 Annual Awards Night at the Manila Hotel.

Reigning World Boxing Organization (WBO) flyweight champion Brian Viloria leads the 18 other athletes who will be honored for their achievements in their respective sports during the gala, where Vice President Jejomar Binay serves as speaker and guest of honor.

Fellow title holders Donnie Nietes (WBO minimumweight) and Ana Julaton (WBO super bantamweight) join Viloria, 31, as top honorees in boxing, while sanda (sanshou) fighters Jessie Aligaga and Dember Arcita are the recipients for wushu.

Receiving it for billiards during the formal affair presented by Smart, the PSC, PBA, Milo, Harbour Centre, SM Prime Holdings, Pagcor, ICTSI, and Coca-Cola are lady cue artist Rubilen Amit and Efren “Bata” Reyes.

Also in the limelight are the celebrated Dragon Warriors, who bagged a total of five gold medals—all in record fashion—during the World Championship in Tampa Bay, Florida.