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Dave Sholler

As we ring in the New Year, it's time to hand out our annual awards in boxing. With 2009 upon us, let's take a look back at which stars shined brightest in 2008.

BOXER OF THE YEAR - Manny Pacquiao

Undoubtedly, Pacquiao had one of the best years of any boxer in recent memory.

Undefeated at 3-0 in 2008, Pacquiao won bouts in three weight classes and cemented his status as the sport's pound-for-pound king. What's more, he set himself up for a mega-fight with junior welterweight champion Ricky Hatton in May 2009.

The Filipino star kicked off 2008 in March by avenging a 2004 draw with Juan Manuel Marquez. In an instant classic, Pacquiao earned a split decision victory over Marquez in a bout that will surely get fight of the year consideration.

Following the hard fought win over Marquez, Pacquiao (48-3-2, 36 KOs) moved up to lightweight and defeated WBC champion David Diaz by ninth-round TKO in June. With superior hand speed and punishing power, Pacquiao dominated Diaz from the opening bell en route to capturing his first title in the 135-pound weight class.

Perhaps no win sealed Pacquiao's fighter of the year honors as much as his December victory over Oscar De La Hoya though. Moving up to 147-pounds, Pacquiao battered the former middleweight for eight rounds and forced ÒThe Golden BoyÓ to quit on his stool.

In one of the most stunning performances of 2008, Pacquiao proved against De La Hoya that he is the best pound-for-pound boxer on the planet.

For that reason, he is The Citizen News Boxer of the Year.

Runner-up: Joe Calzaghe
Honorable Mention: Wladimir Klitschko, Bernard Hopkins, Antonio Margarito, Paul Williams

FIGHT OF THE YEAR - Antonio Margarito vs. Miguel Cotto, July 26, WBA welterweight title bout

Talk about an epic battle.

Margarito and Cotto traded leather for 11 of the best rounds of the year.

While Cotto was able to outbox Margarito for the first half of the fight, the Mexican star's relentless approach eventually proved to be the "X" factor.

After pounding Cotto for much of the late rounds, Margarito finally dropped Cotto in round 11 and the Puerto Rican starÕs corner eventually stopped the bout.

Margarito earned the WBA title with the win, but more importantly, he reaped long overdue recognition as one of the best welterweights in the world.

Runner-up: Israel Vazquez SD over Rafael Marquez; March 1
Honorable Mention: Chad Dawson UD over Glen Johnson; April 12

UPSET OF THE YEAR - Bernard Hopkins UD over Kelly Pavlik, Oct. 18

Who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks?

For 12 glorious rounds, the 43-year-old battered the much younger Pavlik and proved that age has not derailed his boxing prowess. In handing Pavlik his first professional loss, Hopkins also showed that he warrants another shot at Joe Calzaghe, who he lost a close decision to in April.

While the rematch may never happen, Hopkins used 2008 to solidify an already Hall of Fame worthy career.

Runner-up: Manny Pacquiao TKO 8 over Oscar De La Hoya; Dec. 6.
Honorable Mention: Carlos Quintana UD over Paul Williams; Feb. 9

RISING STAR OF THE YEAR - Juan Manuel Lopez

The 25-year-old Puerto Rican southpaw burst onto the scene in 2008 with four consecutive knockout victories, including a first round stoppage of then WBO super bantamweight Daniel Ponce De Leon in June.

Undefeated at 24-0 with 22 KOs, Lopez looks to have an even bigger year in 2009 and is targeting a fight with Israel Vazquez.

Runner-up: Andre Berto
Honorable Mention: Yuriorkis Gamboa

KNOCKOUT OF THE YEAR - Edison Miranda KO 3 over David Banks; Jan. 11

It only took Miranda 11 days into 2008 to record the year's best knockout.

Participating on ESPN's Friday Night Fights, Miranda landed one of the most vicious right hands of the year to the head of Banks.

The punch was so powerful that it knocked Banks through the ropes and nearly out of the ring. For his efforts, Miranda earns KO of the year bragging rights.

Tell us what you think of the 2008 Citizen News boxing awards by emailing columnist Dave Sholler at shollerholla4@hotmail.com.