Professional and amateur boxing stars take centerstage in the 2nd Pacquiao-Elorde Awards Night at Okada Manila in Parañaque City next Thursday, March 20.

In partnership with sports icon Manny Pacquiao, the event, which was formerly known as Gabriel “Flash” Elorde Banquet of Champions since 2000, aims to continue its mission of honoring local pugs who have excelled in the sport.

World mini flyweight champions Melvin Jerusalem (WBC) and Pedro Taduran (IBF), who are named as Boxers of the Year, join other top-notch sluggers including Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas as part of the awardees.

“It was a very successful 23 years of giving honor and recognition to our professional and amateur boxers,” said Liza Elorde in Tuesday’s PSA Forum presented by San Miguel Corporation, Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, MILO, Smart/PLDT, and the country’s 24/7 sports app ArenaPlus.

“Last year, the first edition of this was born… just the same thing parang pattern din ‘yon sa pattern ng Banquet of Champions noon.”

“Sigurado tuwang-tuwa sya (Gabriel) na nabigyan natin ng karangalan ‘yong mga Pilipinong boksingero natin ngayon,” added Johnny, son of the late Gabriel Elorde.

Outstandings boxers from each division, along with top managers, judges, referees and trainers will all be recognized on top of the Best Fight of the Year 

There are around 70 awards and citations to be handed out, and for the first time in its second iteration, athletes from other disciplines will be recognized in Carlos Yulo, who will be the recipient of Outstanding Sports Hero Award.

Late sports journalist, commentator and league commissioner Chino Trinidad will be honored as well.

Before the ceremony, a slugfest set at 2 p.m. will usher in the busy day with Roderick Baustista, Emman Bacosa and Arvin Magramo bannering the the Blow By Blow bouts.