TWO-time world champion Ana Julaton is the lone woman honoree as boxer of the year as she joins boxing icon Manny Pacquiao and three others in the 12th Elorde Boxing Awards/Banquet of Champions slated this Sunday at the Dusit Thani Hotel.

The March 25 event is presented by Johnny Elorde Management International and the Elorde Foundation in coordination with COBRA Energy Drink, PCSO, Smart, Sanicare, Procter &Gamble Phils. Inc., Colgate, and Representative Mark Aeron Sambar of the Pwersa ng Bayaning Atleta.

Julaton retained her World Boxing Organization (WBO) junior featherweight title with a 10-round unanimous decision over Francesca Alcanter of Kansas City at the Craneway Pavilion in Point Richmond, California on Feb. 25 last year.

Seven months later on Sept. 30, ‘The Hurricane’ likewise retained her crown also behind a unanimous decision over Mexican Jessica Villafranca in Tucatan, Mexico.

This is the second straight year Julaton, a native of Daly City, California, will be accorded Philippine boxing’s highest honor, given to Filipinos who held world boxing crowns during the previous year.

Also with her as recipients of the Boxer of the Year award during the rites held in honor of the 77th birth anniversary of Flash Elorde, one of the world’s greatest boxers in the 60s, are Pacquiao, the WBO welterweight champion, WBO and World Boxing Council (WBC) bantamweight titleholder Nonito Donaire Jr., WBO flyweight king Brian Viloria, and WBO light-flyweight champion Donnie Nietes.

Pacquiao, who will receive a special citation for his humanitarian contributions, will also be the guest of honor and speaker during the formal ceremonies that will also honor international, regional, and Philippine champions.

Others to be awarded are the most promising boxer, best fight, best promoter, manager, trainer, judge and referee, sports patron who contributed to pro boxing, and former champions who passed away in 2011.

On hand to present the awards are the Elorde clan led by Flash Elorde’s wife Laura.

To spice up the evening, a double Philippine championship fight featuring the Laurente brothers – Dennis and Monico – will also be featured, including a special attraction by WBC International champion Jonathan Taconing against tough opponents.

Fight card starts at 5:30 p.m. and the awarding ceremonies follow at 7 p.m.