ESPN names Nonito Donaire 'Boxer of the Year'

ESPN named "Filipino Flash" Nonito Donaire as their selection for Boxer of the Year, in an article by Dan Rafael, released December 24, 2012.

"It might sound strange, but no, Manny Pacquiao was not the best fighter from the Philippines in 2012. That honor goes to 'The Filipino Flash,' junior featherweight titlist Nonito Donaire, who had a year for the ages," Rafael wrote.

Donaire had moved up to junior featherweight at the start of the year and showed no ill effects, "winning all four of his fights in dominant fashion," the last being a third round KO, courtesy of a devastating left hook, of Mexican Jorge Arce last December 15 (December 16, PHL time).

The Filipino was also cited for his strong anti-performance-enhancing drugs stance, coming to terms with the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association, which allows the group to randomly test him for steroids at any time, whether or not he is training for a fight.

Other contenders for the award were Juan Manuel Marquez, Danny Garcia, Robert Guerrero, Leo Santa Cruz, Andre Ward, Carl Froch, and fellow Filipino Brian Viloria.

Last year, Andre Ward had copped the plume, with Sergio Martinez winning it in 2010. Manny Pacquiao has won the title three times, first in 2006, and then in back-to-back years, 2008 and 2009.

Floyd Mayweather Jr. won it once, in 2007. - AMD/HS, GMA News