Gabriel ‘Flash’ Elorde cited for record in boxing

MANILA – President Benigno S. Aquino III cited the late boxing champion Gabriel “Flash” Elorde for demonstrating his passion and dedication in achieving excellence in boxing.

“Solidarity gives us fortitude and confidence as a people. The late pugilist Gabriel “Flash” Elorde exemplified these and other strengths. His passion and dedication qualified him as a true winner; he stood as a rallying symbol for the talent of our sportsmen and enlivened his milieu,” the Chief Executive stated in his message on the occasion of the 13th Annual Gabriel “Flash” Elorde Boxing Awards Banquet of Champions.
Reigning World Boxing Organization (WBO) super-bantamweight champion Nonito Donaire will receive the Flash Elorde Memorial Belt during the awarding ceremonies at the Sofitel Hotel.
Other boxers who will be honored in the annual affair are WBO and WBA flyweight king Brian Viloria, IBF light-fly champion John Riel Casimero, WBO light-flyweight titlist Donnie Nietes and former WBC flyweight title holder Sonny Boy Jaro.
“This event commemorates him (Elorde) and honors the skill, discipline, and professionalism that enable our champions to represent the best in the Filipino fighter. Our boxers today continue to exhibit both the power and compassion that make them the pride of the Philippines,” the President said.
“Let this occasion renew your vigor to compete in earnest, with your hearts beating in unison for love of family, friends, and countrymen. We stand united under the banner of integrity that has empowered us to move forward as a nation,” he added.
President Aquino called on the country’s athletes to remain united with the government in pursuing their shared mission of equitable progress.
“For the 13th straight year we are giving recognition to our outstanding boxers and the people who are responsible for the development of boxing in the Philippine,” said Liza Elorde, daughter-in-law of the great Gabriel “Flash” Elorde and wife of boxing promoter Johnny Elorde.