Vivek's Best of 2009

The final V8 report of the year! Here is Vivek Wallace's picks for the best of 09

Fighter of the Year - Manny Pacquiao

When you look back in the rearview mirror at the year behind us, without question, there's only one man that deserves this title. 2009 Saw amazing performances by several fighters, but without question, the one that walks away with this award is the one that walked away with the bling - (WBC Diamond Belt). After a stunning round 2 knockout of 'British Bulldog' Ricky Hatton, and a historical stunner over Puerto Rican Miguel Cotto, Filipino Manny Pacquiao sweeps this competition like every other level of competition he's faced in the sport. Not undefeated, yet clearly uncontested. Once again, it's Manny Pacquiao in a landslide.

Fight of the Year - Williams/Martinez

The year of 2009 gave us some great matchups, but when you look at the actual 'Fight of the Year', you want to identify that one matchup that you could watch over and over again. That one showdown where the ebb and flow never cease to go. Marquez/Diaz was great until it ended, and a hand full of other fights kept us at the edge of our seats, but the one that ends up getting the nod here never allowed us to sit down. Williams/Martinez was as great of a fight as one could ask for, and although neither man has a huge following, despite not gaining the "W", what they did gain in heavy abundance was the respect of fight fans. What an amazing performance by both men?

Knockout of the Year - Alfredo Angulo/Harry Joe Yorgey

Manny Pacquiao's early KO over Ricky Hatton was probably the most shocking, but the slow motion visuals of Yorgey seemingly trapped in a moment of time (that he wish he could have escaped) sealed the deal for me.

Comeback Fighter of the Year - Floyd Mayweather jr.

After a 2 year hiatus, the near flawless performance by Floyd Mayweather jr. was crown jewel. The only thoughts in the back of the minds of most fight fans was the performance by Marquez against Pacquiao. That gutsy performance by the spirited Mexican led many to think that Mayweather would find himself barely treading water in his return to the great blue abyss. Within the first two rounds, one thing became very obvious. The skills of Floyd Mayweather jr. without question are greatly superior compared to any man to ever step foot in the ring. The defense, the speed, the footwork; Few like him, but one thing for sure, with him back in the game, we sure have a lot more to talk about.

G.E.W.T.W. Award (Givin' Em What They Want) - Manny Pacquiao

This award goes to the man in the sport that kicks a** and takes name in a way that leaves us always wanting more. Someone who both the hardcore fight aficionado and the fence straddler feel gave them their monies worth night in and night out. A modern day prime Mike Tyson of sorts, and someone who puts it all on the table and leaves it all on the floor, from bell to bell. And despite the great work we see from many in the sport, I think there's only one man you can give this award to. Hopefully his legs are not tired because it's time for him to return to the podium......again! Yep, you guessed it....

Worst  Result of the Year - Funeka/Guzman

Malignaggi/Diaz was pretty bad, and I thought Cotto/Clottey could have been better, but without question, when you look at the entire playing field, Funeka's draw with Guzman was an entire joke. Built from the kind of filth that has continued to dirty the sport. For Funeka, this was another tough decision, although the one against Campbell was fair and just.

Dark Horse Award - Andre Ward

This award goes to the man that I think will emerge from the pack and find huge success. Two great candidates for this award would have been Bradley or Khan, but considering that they're in the same weight class and probably gonna lock horns at some point during the year, it probably isn't best to chose either. JuanMa and Gamboa are both stars on the rise, and we can expect big things from both, but when it's all said and done, one man in particular ended this year great and I really think is poised to splash even harder next year. That man.....Andre Ward.

Promoter of the Year - Goldenboy Promotions (Oscar De La Hoya)

Bob Arum over at Top Rank has done some amazing work this year, but without question, the biggest fights have had the GBP stamp placed somewhere across them routinely. Due to the heavy emergence of Pacquiao, many automatically feel Top Rank should get this award, but when you look at the roster of GBP, without question, these are the men that entertained our households for the most part all year. From Marquez, to Haye, to Mayweather, to Diaz, to Andrade, toJuarez, and the list goes on.