Nonito Donaire Named '2012 Boxer Of The Year' By ESPN

Nonito "The Filipino Flash" Donaire, Jr. has been named "2012 Boxer of the Year" by ESPN.

"Nonito Donaire won four fights against strong competition in 2012 -- sometimes in spectacular fashion -- and did so while proving himself clean in a sport rife with PED issues," ESPN wrote. "For that, he earns ESPN.com's boxer of the year award."

Donaire started his winning streak this year with a split decision win against Puerto Rican Wilfredo Vazquez Jr. in their WBO Super Bantamweight fight in February, becoming a 4-division title holder.

In July, the Filipino Flash won via unanimous decision against the then-reigning IBF Super Bantamweight champ Jeffery Mathebula of South Africa.

Donaire retained his WBO Super Bantamweight title after defeating Japanese boxer Toshiaki Nishioka in October. After being knocked down twice, Nishioka's corner personnel entered the ring as a request for the referee to end the fight in the ninth round.

Capping Donaire's glorious year, the 30-year-old Bohol native beat his Mexican foe, Jorge Arce, via a third round knockout in another WBO Super Bantamweight fight in December. Donaire floored Arce once in the second round, and once in the third round, before the knockout that ended the match.

The "ESPN Boxer of the Year" was awarded last year to American Andre Ward. Pound-for-pound king Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao was the recipient of the award in 2006, 2008 and 2009.

Photo courtesy of Nonito Donaire's Facebook fan page