Fight of year:  Castillo-Corrales first time around has to claim the prize. This one had everything for fans that enjoy the action in the trenches - the "Sweet-Science" took the night off as both warriors willingly exchanged blistering rib-crushers coupled with left-hooks and right hands to the head.
The tides changed stanza after stanza - and then a fresher looking Castillo closes candle nine with a strong finish.
Now it’s stanza ten with Castillo on the attack - and during an exchange of power punches a big left-hook that drops Corrales to the canvas. The rest of the story is old news - Diego survives a second knockdown only to toss a picture perfect hook of his own that marked the beginning of the end with Castillo helpless against the ropes.
*** A much clamored for return saw Castillo turning the tables and stopping Corrales, but action filled as it was, the first meeting proved impossible to equal.                

Fighter of year: Choice here is Jeff Lacy - expect after whacking  undefeated veteran and co-champion Joe Calzaghe, the one with the "left-hook" sobriquet will be seen as best at super middleweight. Condition, toughness, and explosive punching power settles it all.    

Manager of year: With the today expanded clout of the fight promoters "union," the position of fight manager has pretty much gone the way of the ice man, horse & buggy, cold water flat, and nickel subway ride.
On that note, the choice goes to heavyweight champion Chris Byrd’s  daddy, Joe Byrd. Why not, the old sage had the foresight to see what lie ahead, and slyly merged trainer with manager. Successfully, I might add.

Trainer of year: Don House gets my vote. Plenty names out there, but most got to the top of the mountain courtesy of working with special talents. House earns my tip of the hat on strength of quote he tossed after his charge Zahir Raheem schooled a heavily favored Erik Morales.
The words went, "Cut down on the sparring - fighters with over 20 bouts do not need lots of sparring." Amen and God bless, this man House stands tall among the rest with that bit of advice.
    
Long and meritorious: Marcus Tullius Cicero - 106-43 B.C. - once stated politicians are not born but are excreted.

Good Guy Award: Yogi Berra

Excellence in Broadcast Journalism: Barry Tompkins - gets the nod, even if working year 2005 during semi-retirement. Good eye for the action, and never a "homer"- simply calls it as he sees it.

Choice for color analyst is Manny Steward -  superb eye for what to expect prior to opening bell, and continued disciplined excellence during each subsequent stanza of ring action.

Runner up: Larry Merchant - long favorite of mine - only knock, skills alone cannot satiate an appetite for blood, guts and gore - but include recognition as best at in-ring post-fite interviewing and Larry stands alone.

GEL

Questions?  Comments? Write George Elsasser