Manny Pacquiao as 2008 Fighter of the Year

The US writers honor Pacquiao as the 2008 Fighter of the Year, he received the award in New York last friday night, he will join the ranks of Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier, Sugar Ray Leonard and Evander Holyfield if he will continue to shine this 2009.

Boxing Writers Association of America started giving the award in 1938, Jack Dempsey won it, the year heavyweight. So far the only fighters to have won the award three times since the association started are Ali, Frazier, Leonard and Holyfield.

Pacquiao has won the BWAA top plum four times. No fighter in history won the award. He was the BWAA top fighter in 2006, when he knocked out Erik Morales twice, and was named the best for 2008, the year he defeated Juan Manuel Marquez, David Diaz and Oscar dela Hoya in different weight classes.



He is scheduled to fight in October, and whether it’s against Floyd Mayweather Jr., Miguel Cotto or Shane Mosley, another victory may just seal it for the 30-year-old pound-for-pound champion.

He almost missed gracing the BWAA awards night at the Capitale in New York, and had to take a late flight to the Big City from Manila Friday morning. He was in New York just hours before the 7:30 p.m. affair.

In his acceptance speech, where he spoke fluently in English, aided by a teleprompter, Pacquiao said it was “a great honor” to be chosen as the top fighter for 2008. “It is for this reason that I chose to travel half across the globe to personally receive this award tonight,” he added. He came with his wife, Jinkee.

“I also hope that this award will serve as an example and an inspiration for the young fighters to believe in themselves and keep on dreaming big. Always remember, your dreams will always be inside you. No one can take it away." Pacquiao said.

He praised the BWAA for its “long existence” and looked at the members in saying “you have passed the test of time.” He was given a standing ovation as he prepared to accept the award.