NONITO Donaire Jr. delivered one of boxing’s most inspiring comeback stories last year. Fellow boxer Donnie Nietes extended his impressive reign in the light flyweight division, surpassing a record held by a late icon. And Miguel Tabuena came up with a breakout year to underscore his stature as Philippine golf’s next big star.
The three athletes who hammered out awe-inspiring victories in 2015 will share the limelight when the Philippine Sportswriters Association holds its annual awards night on Feb. 13.
As recipients of the prestigious Athlete of the Year award, Donaire, Nietes and Tabuena headline the cream of the crop of Philippine sports last year in the ceremony presented by Milo and San Miguel Corp. at One Esplanade in Pasay City.
Just when it seemed like he was already a spent force, the 33-year-old Donaire returned to the top after a unanimous decision triumph over Mexican Cesar Juarez for the vacant World Boxing Organization super bantamweight title in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
It will mark the fourth time Donaire, who also won two fights earlier in the year, will be feted with the prestigious honor after 2007, 2011 and 2012.
Long reign
Nietes started 2015 with an incredible feat as the longest reigning Filipino world champion after surpassing the record of seven years and three months held by the late great Gabriel ‘Flash’ Elorde.
The Murcia, Negros Occidental-born fighter of ALA boxing promotions made three successful title defenses including a victory over Juan Alejo in his United States debut at StubHub Center in Carson, California.
First Asian Tour crown
A former junior star, Tabuena ended his quest for a first Asian Tour title with a one-shot victory over Australian Scott Barr in the Philippine Open championship last month.
Tabuena nailed six birdies in the final round on his way to victory on the same Luisita Golf Club and Country Club in Tarlac, where he set a course record three months prior to the Open.