Puerto Rico's Professional Boxing Commission Sunday named Miguel Cotto, the World Boxing Association's junior welterweight champion, as Boxer of the Year, a prize he will receive at the commission's annual ceremony on Feb. 28, according to reports from San Juan.

Cotto's last three fights were in 2005, when he beat Demarcus Coley on Feb. 25, Muhammad Abdulaev on June 11 a and Ricardo Torres, on Sept. 24.

Ivan Calderon was awarded his sixth Escobar Cup for defending his title three times in 2005. The first fight against Nelson Dieppa and Alex Sanchez took place in the Ruben Rodriquez boxing stadium, in Bayamon close to Puerto Rican capital San Juan.

Juan Manuel was named the best newcomer, while Omar Soto was granted improver of the year. Manuel fought two fights of four rounds at the beginning of 2005, and 12 more late in the year. He won three titles in 2005: two regional competitions -- the CABOFE and the Latin WBO -- and one national title.

Dield Alicea was picked as the comeback of the year. Trainer of the year was Jose Sanchez.

Source: Xinhua