ALA Promotions president Michael Aldeguer was named “Promoter of the Year” in the 10th Gabriel “Flash” Elorde Memorial Boxing Awards -Banquet of Champions ‘because of his great contribution to the sport’ last year.
Aldeguer will be receiving his second “Promoter of the Year” trophy in the annual awards, given in memory of the late hall-of-famer and former world champion Elorde, on March 25 at The Tent of the Sofitel Hotel in Manila.
Aldeguer said he will continue to promote the sport of boxing and carry on what his father, ALA Gym founder Antonio L. Aldeguer, started 25 years ago, helping local fighters to achieve their goals inside the ring.
“I want to thank the Elordes for recognizing us. It is the goal of my father and it is always our intention to help fighters reach their dreams. This award is not just for me but to all the fighters,” Aldeguer told Sun.Star Cebu.
Aldeguer won his first “Promoter of the Year” award in 2008.
Aldeguer will be flying to Manila tomorrow along with two of his fighters, World Boxing Organization mini-flyweight champion Donnie Nietes and Mark Jason Melligen, who are also among the awardees.
Nietes, who defended his crown in back-to-back world title fights in Mexico, was named as one of the six recipients of the “Fighters of the Year” honors. The others are world champions Nonito Donaire and Cebuano Rodel Mayol, and former world titleholders Gerry Peñalosa, Brian Viloria and Marvin Sonsona.
Both Nietes and Mayol were also honored in the 28th SAC-SMC Cebu Sports Awards this month.
Melligen will be awarded the “Most Promising Fighter” of 2009.
Pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao, the Fighter of the Year awardee, will be the night’s guest speaker.