By Boxing Bob Newman
The IBF capped off its 35th annual convention in St. Vincent, Italy tonight with their annual awards banquet. After a scrumptious meal of either filet mignon, sea bass or chicken, and entertainment by the popular Italian Duo of Francesca Carli and Enrico Giovagnoli, a.k.a. Operapop, the awards ceremony took place. They were as follows:
The Jersey Joe Walcott Award, the organization’s highest honor, went to Lee Selby. Despite just losing his title in his fifth defense, Selby acquitted himself successfully in the ring three times in 2017 with two title defenses and one non-title go.
Receiving the IBF Female Fighter of the Year Award is Debora Dionicius of Argentina. The reigning IBF Female Jr. Bantamweight Champion has made twelve defenses of her title since she won it in November of 2012.
Fight of the Year
IBF – Anthony Joshua vs. Wladimir Klitschko
Female – Ana Esteche vs. Celeste Peralta
USBA – Ivan Baranchyk vs. Abel Ramos
Intercontinental – Sasha Yengoyan vs. Howard Cospolite
Pan Pacific/Australasian – Jamie Weetch vs. Yao Yi Ma
Asia – Sun Xiangxiang vs. Wang Kun
Continental Africa – Siphosethu Mvula vs. Innocent Mantengu
Most Active Promoter
IBF – Matchroom Sport
Female – KO International
USBA – Top Rank, Lou DiBella Entertainment
Intercontinental – Xaba Promotions & Events
Pan Pacific – Jimmy’s Boxing
Asia – Rejoy Group
East/West Europe – Queensberry Promotions
Championship Ring Recipients for 3 or more Successful Title Defenses
Anthony Joshua
Gennady Golovkin
Jerwin Ancajas,
Jennifer Han
Lee Selby
Maiva Hamadouche
In a moving speech, referee Roberto Ramirez, Jr. thanked the IBF for their assistance after the devastating Hurricane Maria decimated the island. Several Puerto Rican ring officials and IBF members bore the nation’s flag as Ramirez delivered his speech.
The annual raffle prizes were then doled out to their respective winners followed by a raucous round of Karaoke. Friday morning will be the official wrap up of the convention.
