22.12.06 – Controversial Decision of the Year: Chris John UD Juan Manuel Marquez
Former WBA/IBF Featherweight Champion Juan Manuel Marquez fought WBA Featherweight Champion Chris John in John’s native of Indonesia last March. The fight was clearly dictated by the former champion and was taking the Indonesian to school. However, the judges favored the hometown hero by a controversial unanimous decision victory. Marquez was also a victim of questionable deductions in this fight that played a big factor in the outcome of the fight.
Promoter of the Year: Oscar De La Hoya (Golden Boy Promotions)
Golden Boy Promotions has been on its own rampage when it comes to getting the best fighters for their own stable. The Oscar De La Hoya led promotional group had acquired the likes of Joan Guzman, Jorge Barrios, Diego Corrales, Juan Manuel Marquez etc. just to name a few during the past year. This promotional group is probably the best right now and probably surpassed its rival Top Rank in getting big time fighters.
Rising Star Award: Rey “Boom-Boom” Bautista
This kid from the Philippines has dazzled the boxing world the past year with his display of punching power and solid skills. Some people say that “Boom-Boom” is the next big thing coming from the Philippine Islands. He surely defined it with his string of victories over crafty veterans. Bautista is now line to fight WBO Super Batamweight Champion Daniel Ponce De Leon of Mexico.
Blood and Guts Award (Most Exciting Fighter of the Year): Manny Pacquiao
Arturo Gatti’s retirement made Manny Pacquiao the most exciting fighter today. There is never a dull fight when you have Pacquiao competing. This guy practically shows what boxing is all about. He is willing to take a hit and throw something serious in return when he is fighting. He is definitely worth watching. What makes this fighter a lot more special is he fights the best out there.
Runner-ups: Jorge Arce, Rafael Marquez and Edwin Valero
Upset of the Year: Carlos Baldomir UD Zab Judah
Carlos “Tata” Baldomir was supposed to be Zab Judah’s stepping stone going into his fight against Pound for Pound King Floyd Mayweather. However, Carlos Baldomir had other plans when he surprised the champion in front of Judah’s hometown crowd in New York by a winning unanimous decision. The underdog was able to stun Judah several times in the fight and was stylistically bothering the champion.
Runner-up: Joe Calzaghe UD Jeff Lacy
Knockout of the Year: Calvin Brock KO’s Zuri Lawrence
The Boxing Banker from Charlotte, North Carolina made huge statement with his knockout victory over Zuri Lawrence underneath the PPV fight of Shane Mosley and Fernando Vargas last February. The left hook thrown by Brock proved to be very devastating as he knocked Lawrence unconscious for several minutes.
Runner-ups: Wladimir Klitschko TKO’s Calvin Brock and Daniel Ponce-De Leon KO’s Sod Looknongyangtoy
Comeback Fighter of the Year: Oscar De La Hoya
After almost two years of hiatus, Oscar De La Hoya finally decided to comeback in the ring last May when he fought and knocked out WBC Super Welterweight Champion Ricardo Mayorga. This was a very successful run for De La Hoya considering the fact that he was out in boxing for almost 2 years. He didn’t show and ring rust when he came back and pummeled the Nicaraguan in just six rounds. The Golden Boy captured his 7th world title in 6 divisions with his impressive win over Mayorga.
Runner-ups: Bernard Hopkins and Shane Mosley
Comeback Fight of the Year: David Diaz TKO’s Jose Armando Sta. Cruz
David Diaz scored an impressive come from behind TKO victory against highly touted Jose Armando Sta. Cruz last August. Diaz was way down on the score cards when he suddenly shocked Sta. Cruz with a devastating left uppercut that made the champion kiss the canvas. The challenger took over and unleashed a barrage of devastating punches that prompted Referee Richard Steele to stop the fight. Diaz earned the WBC Super Lightweight Interim title with his victory over Sta. Cruz.
Runner-up: Jose Andres Hernandez KO’s Jason Litzau
Fight of the Year: Edwin Valero vs Vicente Mosquera
This fight wasn’t shown on Showtime or HBO but this was the fight of the year. The electrifying Edwin Valero and WBA Champion Vicente “Loco” Mosquera put one hell of show when they slugged-it out in Panama. Both fighters engaged in to serious toe-to-toe battle right from the opening bell. Valero was able to drop Mosquera twice in the opening round but came back by scoring a knockdown in the 3rd round. Valero was declared the victor of the fight when he scored a TKO in the 10th round.
Runner-ups: Bell vs Mormeck, Pacquiao vs Morales II and III and Monshipour vs Sithchachawal
Fighter of the Year: Manny Pacquiao
The “Pacman” started the year with a TKO over the legendary Erik Morales in their second meeting and punctuated the year with his second consecutive stoppage over “El Terrible”. With any doubt, Manny Pacquiao earned the fighter of the year honors this 2006 with two impressive stoppage victories over Erik Morales and almost a one-sided beat down over former WBC Super Batamweight Champion Oscar Larios. Pacquiao proved to the boxing world that he’s not just entertaining but an elite fighter and an all-time great.
Runner-ups: Joe Calzaghe, Floyd Mayweather and Carlos Baldomir