In conjunction with the finals of the AIBA Youth World Boxing Championships, the 2012 AIBA Annual Awards Ceremony celebrated the very best of a historical year. 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.
Take a look to see which fighters and team members got noticed for their achievement by the AIBA this year.
Best AIBA Elite Men’s 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 favorite 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.
