Johnriel Casimero bags major Flash Elorde award

MANILA, Philippines — International Boxing Federation light flyweight titlist Johnriel Casimero is one of four top boxers to be honored during the 14th Gabriel “Flash” Elorde Memorial Awards and Banquet of Champions on March 25 at Sofitel Hotel Harbour Garden Tent in Pasay.

Casimero, 24, retained his crown thrice, twice in 2013 when he scored a unanimous decision over Luis Alberto Rios of Panama in Panama City on March 16 and an 11th-round TKO of Felipe Salguero, also of Panama, in Makati on Oct. 26.

Others to be feted during the awards night, held in memory of boxing legend Flash Elorde, are World Boxing Organization light flyweight champion Donnie Nietes, WBO minimumweight champ Merlito Sabillo and Nonito Donaire, who stopped Vic Dar-chinyan anew on Nov. 9 in Texas.

Manny Pacquiao, the only boxer to win world titles in eight divisions, has already etched a place in the Banquet of Champions, having received the best boxer award for three straight years.

Also to be awarded in the event presented by Johnny Elorde Management International in cooperation with Cobra Energy Drink, Pagcor and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office are Filipino international and national titlists.

Special awards will also be given to the best referee, promoter, matchmaker, judge, most promising fighter and fight of the year.