(DEC 7) Ireland's 60 kg Olympic
Gold medallist,Katie Taylor was this evening presented with the
2012 AIBA Female Boxer of the Year trophy at the Association's
Annual Awards Ceremony in Yerevan, rmenia. The event followed on
from the finals of the 2012 AIBA World Youth Championships. Male
Boxer of the Year title went to Oleksandr Usyk from the Ukraine.
Presided by Dr Ching-Kuo Wu, AIBA President, the event took
place at the Karen Demirchyan Sports and Concerts Complex in
front of delegates from the Armenian National Olympic Committee
and National Federations who were present at the tournament, as
well as the International Technical Officials (ITOs) and Referee
& Judges (R&Js).
Best AIBA Elite Man Boxer 2012 -
Oleksandr USYK (Ukraine)
The charismatic 25-year-old was one of the stand-out performers
of the London 2012 Olympic Games where he took the Heavyweight
(91kg) gold medal in style. After his triumph at the AIBA World
Boxing Championships Baku 2011, the 191cm, 6ft3in tall southpaw
from Simferopol in the Crimea delighted boxing fans worldwide
with his all-action displays and his 'Hopak' dance celebration
in the British capital.
"I am extremely proud to have put my country on the boxing map",
Usyk said. "These Olympic Games were a wonderful experience and
I cannot wait to test myself in WSB and to defend my title at
the 2013 AIBA World Championships".
Best AIBA Elite Woman Boxer 2012 - Katie TAYLOR (Ireland)
The sublime quadruple AIBA World Champion cemented her status as
the best pound for pound woman boxer in the world after battling
through a tough draw to claim the Olympic Lightweight (60kg)
title. Her poise and technique saw her enthral the crowds at the
ExCeL in London as she added the best boxer of the tournament
trophy to her long list of achievements.
"2012 has been an amazing year for me but most importantly for
women's boxing as a whole", stated Taylor. "Although it is not
the first one, I am still overwhelmed with this award and
furthermore proud to be an AIBA ambassador for women's boxing."
Best AIBA Referee & Judge 2012 - Michael GALLAGHER (Ireland)
The dedicated Irishman has a keen eye for detail and an
excellent rapport with all the boxers. A fanatical studier of
the sport and well respected among his peers, it is now the
second year in a row that he has collected the award.
"It is great to be once again receiving this award" declared
Gallagher. "I love my job and want to take this opportunity to
thank all the people around me."
Best AIBA Coach 2012 - David ALLOWAY (Great Britain)
The overwhelming favourite after seeing his boxers take an
unprecedented three golds, one silver and a bronze medal at the
London 2012 Olympic Games. Part of the ultra-professional set-up
of GB boxing, his methods have brought the standards of coaching
to new levels.
"This award belongs to the Great Britain coaching team", reacted
Alloway. "Without all of them, nothing would have been
possible."
Best AIBA Technical Official 2012 - Franco FALCINELLI (Italy)
The success story of the London 2012 Olympic Games can be in
huge part attributed to the steady hands of the well-respected
Italian who was the AIBA Technical Delegate for the competition.
A great communicator, he always ensures the boxing takes centre
stage.
Best WSB Boxer 2012 - Sergiy DEREVYANCHENKO (Ukraine)
The 26-year-old orthodox Ukrainian gave his team Dolce & Gabbana
Italia Thunder the decisive advantage in the WSB Team Final
before claiming a second successive victory at the Individual
Championships last season. Hugely accomplished, his near
flawless style continues to earn him many admirers.
Best WSB Referee & Judge 2012 - Jean-Robert LAINE (France)
A great understanding of the sport, his easy style makes him one
of the most respected R&Js on the circuit. Ever present during
the season after having refereeing at a total of thirteen
fixtures, his professionalism continues to set the standard.
"I want to dedicate this award to my fellow professionals and
also to my family, wife and two children", said Lainé.
Best WSB Coach 2012 - Francesco DAMIANI (Italy) After guiding
the Dolce & Gabbana Italia Thunder to victory in the 2012 WSB
Team Final ending a gruelling season, 1984 Olympic silver
medallist Damiani was also ringside at the Olympic Games to see
his boxers claim two silvers and a bronze medal. He has now
confirmed his legendary status in his native Italy.
"I am very honoured by AIBA", stated Damiani: "I want to thank
the Italian Federation, my team Dolce & Gabbana Italia Thunder
and last but not least the boxers."
Best WSB Supervisor 2012 - Luiz BOSELLI (Brazil)
His friendly demeanour and approachability have ensured that the
four WSB fixtures he oversaw, including the all-important
Individual Championships, were some of the best on last season's
calendar. Dedicated, his love of the sport always shines
through.
Best Sportsmanship 2012 - Garip ERCUYUMCU (Turkey)
His passing earlier this year has left a big void within the
AIBA Family with the loss of one of its most dedicated members.
"Garip was loved and respected by everyone who knew him and he
will be missed by all of us at AIBA", stated Dr Wu.
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