2012 Northern California Boxing Awards: Finalist Descriptions

The finalists for the 2nd annual CSNBayArea.com Northern California Awards have been announced.  Below are some descriptions of the candidates as well as voting information for the readers. DO NOT VOTE HERE. YOU MUST VOTE ON THE CSNBAYAREA.COM FIGHT SPORTS PAGE UNDER THE OFFICIAL FINALISTS LIST.  E-MAILS, FACEBOOK, AND TWITTER MESSAGES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

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2012 NORTHERN CALIFORNIA BOXING AWARDS

FINALIST DESCRIPTIONS

POUND-FOR-POUND CHAMPION

 
For the fighter who finishes the year atop the CSNBayArea.com NorCal Pound-for-Pound Top 10 due to overall career body of work plus recent achievements.  This award is not to be confused with the Fighter of the Year Award, which is limited only to accomplishments in 2012.

FINALISTS: 

• Nonito Donaire (San Leandro): Went 4-0 in new division; won RING/IBF/WBO 122-lbs. titles

• Robert Guerrero (Gilroy): Went 2-0 moving up 12 lbs.; won interim WBC 147 lbs. belt, outslugged Andre Berto

• Ava Knight (Chico): Went 3-0 defending IBF 112 lbs. crown; beat WBC titlist Mariana Juarez in unification

• Karim Mayfield (San Francisco): Went 2-0 at 140 lbs.; KO'd Raymond Serrano, upset Mauricio Herrera

• Andre Ward (Oakland): Went 1-0, retained 168 lbs. RING/WBC titles; stopped 175 lbs. champ Chad Dawson

MALE PRO FIGHTER OF THE YEAR

For the male professional fighter who has achieved the most success in 2012

FINALISTS: 

• Nonito Donaire (San Leandro): see Pound-for-Pound Champion

• Vicente Escobedo (Woodland): went 2-1; lost controversial 130 lbs. title fight to overweight Adrien Broner

• Robert Guerrero (Gilroy): see Pound-for-Pound Champion

• Karim Mayfield (San Francisco): see Pound-for-Pound Champion

• Andre Ward (Oakland): see Pound-for-Pound Champion

FEMALE PRO FIGHTER OF THE YEAR

For the female professional fighter who has achieved the most success in 2012

FINALISTS: 

• Ana Julaton (Daly City): Went 2-1; lost WBO 122 lbs. title but has won two straight since

• Ava Knight (Chico): see Pound-for-Pound Champion

• Melissa McMorrow (San Jose): Went 2-0; upset Susi Kentikian in Germany for 112 lbs. WBO belt

• Carina Moreno (Watsonville): Went 1-1; upset Susi Kentikian in Germany for 112 lbs. WBA belt

MALE AMATEUR FIGHTER OF THE YEAR (SENIOR OPEN ONLY)

For the male amateur fighter who has achieved the most success in 2012
 
FINALISTS: 

• Antwon Abron (Stockton): National bronze medalist at 201 lbs.; upset top-seeded Joseph Williams in qtrs

• Mario Ayala (Sacramento): Advanced to National qtrs at 123 lbs.; lost decision to Gary Salazar in exhibition

• Eros Correa (San Jose): Won Adidas tournament at 114 lbs.; missed wt. limit at Natls to keep Olympic spot

• LaRon Mitchell (San Francisco): National silver medalist at 201+ lbs.; lost in controversial fashion

• Jose Ramirez (Avenal): Won National title at 132 lbs., only Region 11 boxer on U.S. Olympic Team

• Gary Salazar (Fresno): Won National PAL at 123 lbs., bronze at Nationals; advanced to qtrs at AIBA Worlds

• Daniel Valdivia (Bakersfield): Won National PAL, Adidas, and Mex Games tournaments at 165 lbs.

• Brent Venegas III (Sacramento): Beat Correa in exhibition bout; advanced to National semis at 114 lbs.

FEMALE AMATEUR FIGHTER OF THE YEAR (SENIOR OPEN ONLY)

For the female amateur fighter who has achieved the most success in 2012

FINALISTS: 

• Brenda Gutierrez (Sacramento): Nationally-ranked at 125 lbs.; beat Tatiana Almaraz at Beautiful Brawlers 2

• Jasmine Jones (Vacaville): Overcame knockdown, outpointed Becky Villagran to advance to Natls at 125 lbs.

• Raquel Miller (San Francisco): Won 165 lbs. silver at AIBA Worlds, bronze at U.S. Olympic Trials

• Jamie Mitchell (Pacific Grove): Nationally-ranked at 119 lbs.; won silver at Nationals

• Casey Morton (San Francisco): Won Adidas tournament at 119 lbs.; lost to Paola Estrada at Beautiful Brawlers

• Marina Ramirez (Sacramento): Nationally-ranked at 106 lbs.; bronze medalist at Nationals

• Becky Villagran (Oakland): Local top featherweight; knocked down Jasmine Jones in controversial loss
 

PRO FIGHT OF THE YEAR

For the most exciting, competitive professional bout in 2012 from start to finish involving at least one Northern California fighter

FINALISTS: 

• Manuel Avila-Ricky Lopez: Avila needed final round stoppage to ward off a persistent Lopez in the eighth

• Jonathan Garcia-Pedro Arcos: Garcia roared back from two KDs to floor Arcos three times in one-rd battle

• Robert Guerrero-Andre Berto: Guerrero decked Berto twice early and then hung on for a pts win in slugfest

• Alonso Loeza-Juan Martinez: Bombs away for three rounds; Loeza outlasted Martinez

• Roman Morales-Jonathan Arrellano: Morales rebounded from KD to score one of his own and win tough test

• Guy Robb-Joel Diaz Jr.: Thriller where both men were down; Diaz stopped a surging Robb in seven

• Ulises Soriano-Gabriel Pineda: Nonstop aggression from both warriors for four rounds

AMATEUR FIGHT OF THE YEAR (SENIOR OPEN ONLY)

For the most exciting, competitive amateur fight in 2012 from start to finish involving at least one Northern California fighter 
FINALISTS: 

• Brenda Gutierrez-Tatiana Almaraz: Gutierrez slipped shots and countered to win splendid inside battle

• Mark Hernandez-Daniel Thomas: Neither boxer refused to relent in the pocket; Hernandez edged it out

• Paola Estrada-Casey Morton: War of attrition from start to finish; Beautiful Brawlers 2 Fight of the Night

• Gary Salazar-Mario Ayala: Highly anticipated bout between two best bantams in CA; Salazar won by decision

ROUND OF THE YEAR

For the most exciting, competitive pro round in 2012 from the opening to final bell

FINALISTS: 

• Robert Guerrero-Andre Berto (Rd. 12): After brutal clash, both men left it all in the ring--even after the bell

• Guy Robb-Joel Diaz Jr. (Rd. 4): Has been called Corrales-Castillo Lite, but the punches were all heavy

• Glenn Donaire-Omar Salado (Rd. 11): Both men took turns putting the pressure on his foe; plenty of uppercuts

• Ulises Soriano-Gabriel Pineda (Rd. 4): Bomb after bomb after bomb; any round in this fight could've been here

• Jonathan Garcia-Pedro Arcos (Rd. 1): Garcia roared back from two KDs to floor Arcos three times to end it

KNOCKOUT OF THE YEAR 

For the most spectacular, stunning, and sensational pro knockout or referee stoppage of 2012 by a Northern California fighter
 
FINALISTS: 

• Nonito Donaire-Jorge Arce: Signature left hook tattooed Arce in third round and retired him

• Nonito Donaire-Toshiaki Nishioka: Nishioka waited for the left hook and got blasted with straight right in ninth
• Vicente Escobedo-Lonnie Smith: Right hands in first round put a surprising quick cap to Smith's night

• Karim Mayfield-Raymond Serrano: Mayfield caught Serrano napping with overhand right in fifth

• Moris Rodriguez-Bret De La Torre: An absolute hammer of a right hand had De La Torre out in round two

• Alan Sanchez-Artemio Reyes: Stunning right hand hurt Reyes in first and later flurry stopped him on his feet

• Andre Ward-Chad Dawson: Picasso performance puncutated by final assault that made Dawson quit in 10th

PRO TRAINER OF THE YEAR

For the pro trainer based in Northern California who has accomplished the most in 2012 with his/her fighter(s) from both a strategic standpoint and through individual development

FINALISTS: 

• Ben Bautista (San Francisco): Karim Mayfield, Ava Knight, Richard Hargraves, Aaron Coley, Denis Madriz

• Eddie Croft (San Mateo): Melissa McMorrow, Ricardo Pinell

• Max Garcia (Salinas): Eloy Perez (through February), Paul Mendez, Preston Freeman

• Ruben Guerrero (Gilroy): Robert Guerrero, Randy Guerrero

• Virgil Hunter (Hayward): Andre Ward, Karim Mayfield, Brandon Gonzales, Amir Khan, Alfredo Angulo, more

• Rick Noble (Watsonville): Carina Moreno
• Brian Schwartz (San Carlos): Nonito Donaire (asst.), Bruno Escalante

AMATEUR TRAINER OF THE YEAR

For the amateur trainer based in Northern California who has accomplished the most in 2012 with his/her fighter(s) from both a strategic standpoint and through individual development
 
FINALISTS: 

• Ben Bautista (San Francisco): Raquel Miller, Izaiah Bautista

• Marcus Caballero (Sacramento): Brenda Gutierrez, Nancy Gutierrez, Melissa Monroy

• Rob Fernandez (San Francisco): Mike Fernandez, Suray Mahmutovic, Mario Lopez, Cameron Smith

• Blanca Gutierrez (Pacifica): Ayla Sagote, Keynoe Fenner, Megan Siordia

• Candy Lopez (San Jose): Eros Correa, Andy Vences

• Armando Mancinas (Avenal): Jose Ramirez, Marisol Lopez

• Rudy Puga Sr. (Salinas): Ruben "Dracula" Villa

• Gilbert Salazar (Fresno): Gary Salazar

COLLEGIATE FIGHTER OF THE YEAR

For the collegiate fighter who has achieved the most success in 2012

FINALISTS: 

• Oscar Gomez (San Jose State): Men's National champion at 147 lbs.

• Jay Jimenez (Cal): Men's National third place at 156 lbs.

• Juan Ramos (Cal): Men's National runner-up at 165 lbs.

• Nargis Shaghasi (USF): Women's regional runner-up at 139 lbs.

• Colin Schmitt (UC Davis): Men's Regional quarterfinalist at 156 lbs.

PROSPECT OF THE YEAR

For the most accomplished pro fighter in 2012 who has not yet challenged for a regional belt (minimum 8 bouts)

FINALISTS: 

• Manuel Avila (Fairfield): 122 lbs. Went 5-0. Faced progressively tougher comp as year went on

• Jonathan Chicas (San Francisco): 140 lbs. Went 4-1. Was ahead against Moris Rodriguez and got caught

• Bruno Escalante (San Carlos): 115 lbs. Went 1-1. Bounced back from first loss to post decision win

• Jonathan Garcia (Watsonville): 140 lbs. Went 4-0. Stopped three of them in exciting fashion 
• Oscar Godoy (Watsonville): 147 lbs. Went 5-1. After opening loss, has gradually improved to win five in a row

• Brandon Gonzales (Sacramento): 160 lbs. Went 1-0. Injuries, inactivity stalling career; shut out Elie Augustama

• Omar Henry (Oakland): 160 lbs. Went 1-0. Excellent boxer-puncher was tragically diagnosed with cancer

• Stan Martyniouk (Antelope): 135 lbs. Went 2-0. Returned from two-year layoff to post back-to-back wins

• Guy Robb (Sacramento): 126 lbs. Went 3-1. Lost war to Joel Diaz Jr. but has won three straight

• Alan Sanchez (Fairfield): 147 lbs. Went 3-0. Stopped all three foes including Artemio Reyes in rematch

PRO EVENT OF THE YEAR

For the most entertaining, well-promoted Northern California-based pro show in 2012; main event listed

FINALISTS: 

• Vicente Escobedo-Lonnie Smith (May 12): Escobedo's homecoming bout was packed and didn't disappoint

• Robert Guerrero-Selcuk Aydin (July 28): Guerrero's triumphant return from shoulder surgery at HP Pavilion

• Yoshihiro Kamegai-Jorge Silva (Oct. 6): Boxing's return to Sacramento Memorial Auditorium

• Paul Mendez-Lester Gonzalez (Dec. 15): Good scraps all around. Improved Mendez impressed Salinas fans

• James Page-Rahman Yusubov (Nov. 18): The return of "The Mighty Quinn" was well-attended

• Andre Ward-Chad Dawson (Sept. 8): HBO gave the bout 24/7 treatment and Nick Cannon had a cameo

AMATEUR EVENT OF THE YEAR

For the most entertaining, well-promoted Northern California-based amateur show in 2012

FINALISTS: 

• Aleman Boxing Independence Day Show (July 7): Standing-room only crowd; plenty of J.O. fights

• Beautiful Brawlers 2 (Aug. 25): Only all-female amateur show of its kind; Moose Lodge filled to capacity

• King’s Gym Holiday Showdown (Dec. 8): Outstanding crowd and excellent, competitive fights

• Northern California Junior Olympics (Apr. 22): S.F. Ring of Fire was packed all weekend

• Pacific Ring’s Showdown in Oakland 8 (Nov. 10): Solid matchmaking for card filled with Bay Area stars

• United Combat Association's Battle of the Badges (Mar. 31): Law enforcement statewide traded leather

• Velarde’s T.C. Show (Aug. 11): Deep mix of Open Division and Junior Olympic talent

CROWD OF THE YEAR

For the pro or amateur venue with the best overall atmosphere and fanbase of 2012

FINALISTS: 

• Aleman Boxing Club (Fresno): Independence Day Show

• Fairfield Sports Complex: Alan Sanchez-Manuel Leyva

• HP Pavilion (San Jose): Robert Guerrero-Selcuk Aydin

• King’s Gym (Oakland): Holiday Showdown

• Oracle Arena (Oakland): Ward-Dawson

• Pacifica Moose Lodge: Beautiful Brawlers 2

• Sacramento Doubletree Hotel: Otis Griffin-Adam Collins

• Sacramento Four Points by Sheraton: James Page-Rahman Yusubov

• S.F. Ring of Fire Gym: Northern California Junior Olympics

• Velarde’s Training Center (Fresno): Central California Silver Gloves

• Woodland Community Center: Vicente Escobedo-Lonnie Smith

COMEBACK FIGHTER OF THE YEAR

For the male or female fighter, professional or amateur, who has best overcome adversity away from the ring in 2012 to achieve unexpected success 
FINALISTS: 

• Glenn Donaire (San Leandro): Won two bouts after three years away from boxing but lost in September

• Robert Guerrero (Gilroy): Tore rotator cuff in left shoulder, then moved up 12 lbs. to win back-to-back fights

• Stan Martyniouk (Antelope): Went 2-0. Returned from two-year layoff to post back-to-back wins

• Carina Moreno (Watsonville): Had lost 4 of 5 but went to Germany and pulled off upset to win world title

• James Page (Pittsburg): After serving sentence in prison, came back from 11 years away from boxing

• Andre Ward (Oakland): Returned from broken left hand to stop Chad Dawson in impressive form

ROLE MODEL OF THE YEAR

For the fighter most exemplary to the Northern California community in 2012

FINALISTS: 

• Vicente Escobedo (Woodland): Known for charity work outside the ring both in NorCal and SoCal

• Robert Guerrero (Gilroy): Participates in fundraisers for leukemia foundation in South Bay

• Karim Mayfield (San Francisco): Takes part in various community outreach programs

• Paul Mendez (Salinas): Raises money to pay medical bills for 10-year-old cancer patient

• LaRon Mitchell (San Francisco): Works in youth services at S.F. homeless shelter

• Andre Ward (Oakland): Speaks at several Bay Area schools, prisons about overcoming adversity

UPSET OF THE YEAR

For the most improbable and impactful win by a Northern California underdog in 2012

FINALISTS: 

• Antwon Abron-Joseph Mitchell: Abron beat #1 American amateur heavyweight by decision at Nationals

• Jonathan Alcantara-Walter Sarnoi: Career-long opponent Alcantara decked Sarnoi en route to win

• Robert Guerrero-Andre Berto: In first HBO main event, Guerrero floored, punished former champ Berto

• Karim Mayfield-Mauricio Herrera: In HBO debut, Mayfield pounded out decision over favored Herrera

• Melissa McMorrow-Susi Kentikian: McMorrow went to Germany and pulled out majority nod to win a world title

• Carina Moreno-Susi Kentikian: See above, except Moreno had lost 4 of 5 coming into the bout

• Moris Rodriguez-Jonathan Chicas: Rodriguez ended Chicas's unbeaten streak with stunning stoppage

• Alan Sanchez-Artemio Reyes: Sanchez exacted revenge on Reyes in just one round on ESPN2

MANAGER/ADVISER OF THE YEAR

For the Northern California-based manager/adviser who has done the most to put his/her fighter(s) in the best position to succeed in 2012
 
FINALISTS: 

• Ben Bautista (San Francisco): Ava Knight, Aaron Coley, Richard Hargraves

• Eddie Croft (San Mateo): Melissa McMorrow, Ricardo Pinell

• Kathy Garcia (Salinas): Eloy Perez (through Feb.), Paul Mendez, Preston Freeman

• Repo Ric (Sacramento): Roman Morales, Guy Robb, Mike Ruiz Jr.

• Bob Santos (San Jose/Gilroy): Robert Guerrero

• Herb Stone/Johnny Nava (San Francisco):  Jonathan Chicas, Bruno Escalante

PRO PROMOTER OF THE YEAR

For the professional promoter who has done the most for Northern California fans in 2012

FINALISTS: 

• Don Chargin/Paco Presents: Most shows in NorCal w/ fighters like Alan Sanchez, Manuel Avila, Paul Mendez  
• Golden Boy: Robert Guerrero-Selcuk Aydin at HP. Also handles Manuel Avila

• Goossen Tutor: Andre Ward-Chad Dawson at Oracle. Also handles Brandon Gonzales, Mike Dallas

• O.P.P. Presents: Newcomer to the game promoted Otis Griffin-Adam Collins

• Paul Nave: At age 52, still fighting in front of large crowds in Marin County

• Uppercut Promotions: War of Woodlake featuring Sacramento area fighters like Stan Martyniouk, John Abella

AMATEUR PROMOTER OF THE YEAR

For the amateur promoter/gym who has done the most for Northern California fans in 2012

FINALISTS: 

• Aleman Boxing (Fresno): Independence Day Show, others

• Blanca Gutierrez/BabyFace (Pacifica): Beautiful Brawlers 2

• Caballero’s B.C. (Sacramento): Steady Mobbin' series

• Pacific Ring Sports (Oakland): Showdown in Oakland series

• United Combat Association (California): Battle of the Badges

• Velarde’s T.C. (Fresno): Several Open Division/Junior Olympic shows

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT

For the person in the sport, participant or non-participant, who most deserves recognition for their contribution to Northern California boxing

FINALISTS: 

• Paris Alexander (San Francisco): Former pro trains at four different gyms; helps everyone who asks him for it

• Michael Dallas Sr. (Bakersfield): Built Bakersfield PAL into natl powerhouse; recently succumbed to leukemia

• Charles King (Oakland): Namesake of King's Gym longtime trainer, mentor to Oakland fighters like Andre Ward

• Candy Lopez (San Jose): San Jose PAL and San Jose State coach, former Olympic Team assistant

• Paul Nave (San Rafael): Promoter, manager, and fighter all rolled into one; longevity has been calling card