FORMER world champion Marlon “Nightmare” Tapales will be feted in the Third Philippine Boxing Convention on May 11-13 at the Marco Polo Hotel in Davao City.
Tapales was stripped of his WBO world bantamweight title last month after failing to make weight in what would have been his first title defense against Japanese Shohei Omori whom he stopped in the 11th round.
Tapales will share the “Boxer of the Year” award with former IBF world flyweight champion Johnriel Casimero, IBF world light flyweight king Jerwin Ancajas and WIBA world minimumweight world champion Gretchen Abaniel.
One of Tapales’ trainers, Fernando Ocon will receive the Best Trainer of the Year award along with Casimero’s trainer Jhun Agrabio.
Senator Manny Pacquiao and three-division world champion Donnie “Ahas” Nietes who won the vacant IBF world flyweight title against Thai Komgrich Nantapech last Saturday, will receive a Special Award of Recognition.
Nietes’ promoter Michael Aldeguer will receive the International Boxing Promoter of the Year award while Gabriel Elorde Jr., Juan Lope Elorde, Dexter Tan and Arnold Palafox will share the Local Boxing Promoters of the Year award.
Brico Santig and Jim Claude Managquil were named the Most Accomplished Boxing Managers of the Year while Omega Pro Sports Inc.’s (OPSI) Angel Dela Merced is the Most Promising Boxing Promoter of the Year.
The Professional Boxing Ring Officials of Cebu will also receive a citation on awards night. The third Philippine Boxing Convention is organized by the Games and Amusements Board (GAB).