Home Columns 2009 Fighter of the Year

2009 Fighter of the Year

Manny Pacquiao is the 2009 Boxer of the Year

This one shouldn’t come as any surprise to any boxing fan… Manny Pacquiao is without a doubt the 2009 Fighter of the Year. He had a great year, fighting just twice but winning both bouts against highly credible opponents in dominating fashion. I haven’t seen or heard a single person giving this award to anybody else, and all of the staff here at ProBoxing-Fans.com agreed that Manny Pacquiao should be the winner.

Many people were predicting Manny Pacquiao to beat Ricky Hatton, but nobody thought it would coma via a vicious, concussive performance that ended in the 2nd round. Pacquiao launched a blitzkrieg in the first round, and Hatton was lucky to get back to his corner. In the 2nd there would be no more luck, as Pacquiao shut out his lights with one blazing left hook to his chin.

Then in an even more anticipated bout, Pacquiao battered Miguel Cotto until the referee mercifully waved off the competition in the 12th round. You can argue all you want about catch weights, and about the true class and standing of both of these opponents but really… blah, blah blah. You can’t detract from either of these wins, particularly not in the fashion that the Pac-man accomplished them.

With two knockout wins in two weight classes against two top-10 pound for pound fighters, Manny Pacquiao is hands down the 2009 Fighter of the Year.

What’s Next for Manny Pacquiao in 2010?

Well, all boxing fans are hoping that Pacquiao vs. Mayweather gets finalized for the early 2010 docket. It’s looking like March 13, 2010 in Las Vegas, but anything can throw a wrench into the plans before they all get finalized. So we all should be keeping our fingers crossed.

2009 Fighter of the Year Runner Up: Andre Ward

Andre Ward had a breakout year in 2009. The former U.S. Olympian and Gold medal winner stepped up his competition and routed Edison Miranda. Then as an entrant in the Super Six Tournament, he dominated the favorite entering the tournament, Mikkel Kessler. He immediately moved from contender and top-10 guy to one of the best two fighters in the division, alongside Arthur Abraham. For Ward, 2010 will see him continuing to battle as a part of the Super Six, first taking on Jermain Taylor.

Make sure you check out the rest of the 2009 Boxing Awards from ProBoxing-Fans.com. It’s the best way to recap the entire up and down, crazy year in boxing. And if you agree or disagree with any of the recipients, let us know in the comments!