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All the votes have been tallied and the results are in. So with no further delay and nearly 1,000 votes cast, here are the latest winners of the Briscoe Awards for the 2019 fight year. Congratulations to all the winners and a big thank you all the fighters who competed in 2019 and to all those who voted for these awards. We will soon announce the dates when these Briscoe Awards will be presented. _____________________________________________________________ 2019
PHILLY FIGHTER OF THE YEAR Julian Williams made history with his upset 12-round victory over Jarrett Hurd to win the IBF & WBA junior middleweight titles. It wasn't only a landmark win, it was a near-perfect performance that not only defied the odds but also reshuffled the 154-pound pecking order and restored J-Rock's reputation. After losing his first shot at a title in 2016, many felt that Williams would never rise to the top of his division. However, on May 11, 2019, Julian Williams proved them dead wrong. It was one for the ages, and in addition to earning Julian the title it also secured him two Briscoe Awards (see "Performance" below). Congratulations Julian! ______________________________________________________________ 2019
PHILLY FIGHT OF THE YEAR Some have said that the
more fitting award for this fight would have been "Round of
the Year" for Rosado's behind-the-eight-ball surge in the
ninth round that almost won him the fight. However to truly
appreciate that galvanizing moment in round nine, you had to
experience the grueling prelude to that highlight. After
coming off the floor early and falling behind on the cards,
Gabriel Rosado did what he does best - give it everything he
has and reward the fans with a breathtaking boxing memory.
King Gabriel dropped Sulecki twice in the ninth and came
within seconds of scoring the knockout. But credit goes to
Sulecki who survived the ninth and tenth rounds to win the
decision, based on his early lead. It was a very good fight
and a phenomenal boxing experience. Chances are that years
in the future, those of us who watched this battle live at
the Liacouras Center will still be talking about it. This
fight's biggest competitor for the "Fight of the Year" award
- Tevin Farmer W12 Jono Carroll - happened about one hour
later in the same arena. Needless to say, it was a good
night for Philly boxing fans. Congratulations to Maciej
Sulecki and Gabriel Rosado!
2019
PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR
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BREAKOUT FIGHTER OF THE YEAR
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PROSPECT OF THE YEAR
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ROOKIE OF THE YEAR Philly welterweight southpaw Tyhler Williams went 3-0, 2 KOs in 2019 and won the fan vote for this award handily against a very strong and popular crop of first-year pros. Williams made his debut on March 1st at the Parx with a second round TKO over Nyrome Lynch of Philadelphia. Williams then stopped Abdiel Padilla at the Met on April 26th. Williams closed out his year back at the Parx, winning a four-round unanimous decision over Philly's Tyree Arnold. Tyhler is quick and powerful and looks like the real deal. He continued to prove this with a quick win last month and looks forward to a busy 2020. Congratulations Tyhler! _____________________________________________________________ 2019 AMATEUR OF THE YEAR
After wining the Youth Elite Division Silver Medal at the 2018 USA Nationals, Philly's Rashiem Jefferson (Jr.) had a great 2019. He won Silver at the Western Qualifiers, and Gold Medals at both the Eastern Qualifiers and the Junior Olympics tournaments. He also qualified for the US Olympic Trials. Rashiem will make his professional debut on March 7, 2020 at the 2300 Arena in South Philly. Rashiem is the son of Rashiem Sr. who was a National Golden Gloves champion in 2000, 2001 & 2002 and is currently a respected trainer. Congratulations Rashiem! _____________________________________________________________ 2019
THE ONE TO WATCH
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KNOCKOUT OF THE YEAR Not known for knockout power, Stephen Fulton made an exception on this night. After looking sharp and controlling the action for the first four rounds, Fulton went for the kill in round five. He battered Avelar, but the tough Mexican survived. In the sixth round, Fulton cracked Avelar with a perfect left hook to the body. The shot crumbled Avelar to the canvas where he took the full ten count. It was a perfect Philly left hook by one of the city's best young fighters. Fulton took this award by via the fan vote over three other nominees. _____________________________________________________________ 2019
UPSET OF THE YEAR No one gave Ray Robinson a chance against Egidijus Kavaliauskas in their ten-rounder for the NABF title. In fact Robinson was a 16-1 betting underdog. But Robinson boxed smartly from the opening bell and seemed to build a sufficient lead as the fight progressed. Kavaliauskas got through to Ray's chin a few times, but Robinson held strong and kept boxing beautifully. It was a masterful performance by Ray, but unfortunately the official judges let him down. After ten full rounds, the fight was ruled a majority draw. But we all know what we saw despite the judges' ruling - this was Robinson's fight all the way. He didn't get the NABF belt, but for his efforts he will get the a Briscoe Medal. Congratulations Ray! _____________________________________________________________
2019 PHOTO OF THE YEAR
We are currently accepting submissions from photographers and will determine the winner of the "Photo of the Year" award sometime in April. _____________________________________________________________ |
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