This previous Wednesday, the boxing world turned its eyes to New York Metropolis, the place the Boxing Writers Affiliation of America (BWAA) hosted its one hundredth annual awards ceremony—a landmark night celebrating the game’s brightest stars and most interesting storytellers. Among the many distinguished company was WBA President Gilberto Jesús Mendoza, who joined the festivities and paid tribute to the enduring legacy of boxing journalism and excellence contained in the ring.
The evening’s largest honors went to Oleksandr Usyk and Gabriela Fundora, who have been named 2024 Male and Feminine Fighters of the Yr, respectively. Usyk, recent off a dominant marketing campaign, took the stage to ship a heartfelt speech after receiving his award from former unified champ Teofimo Lopez. Fundora, equally moved, accepted her honor from none apart from Oscar De La Hoya, marking a milestone second in her younger however rising profession.
The epic first showdown between Usyk and Tyson Fury, held in Might 2024, was acknowledged because the Struggle of the Yr, whereas the ladies’s award went to the electrifying conflict between Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano—a battle that after once more showcased the excessive stage of talent and drama in girls’s boxing.
The gala additionally paid homage to the heartbeat of the game: the writers and broadcasters whose tireless work has saved the narrative of boxing alive throughout generations. A number of esteemed journalists have been honored for his or her excellent contributions to boxing protection. The night included a poignant in memoriam tribute, with a particular second of remembrance for George Foreman, a legend each out and in of the ring.
Held on the historic Edison Lodge in Midtown Manhattan, the one hundredth version of the BWAA Awards was an evening steeped in respect, nostalgia, and celebration. The World Boxing Affiliation extends its congratulations to all of the winners and commends the BWAA for orchestrating a ceremony worthy of the game’s wealthy heritage.
