Before I present you with my opinionated holiday offerings before the end of the year, I must provide a disclaimer. I am only highlighting boxers and fights that I actually watched in person or on television this year (so please keep your complaints muted). 
And there were quite a few notable fights on television this year. In fact, 16 fights garnered at least 1 million veiwers in 2012.
In the spirit of the holiday season, please kindly accept this unofficial "gift list:"
Knockout of the Year: Juan Manual Marquez KO 6 Manny Pacquiao
This one is easy. I won't get into how or why it is the knockout of the year. With all due respect to the great Manny Pacquiao, this picture says it all.
Round of the Year: Round 12 of Sergio Martinez vs. Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr.
In a fight that was exceedingly one-sided in favor of Sergio "Maravilla" Martinez up until the ultimate round of this middleweight title fight, Chavez, Jr. nearly lowered the boom and pulled the major upset courtesy of this huge left hook. Look forward to a rematch in 2013.
Fight of the Year: Robert Guerrero U 12 Andre Berto
Before I affirm my selection of this fight, I want to remind you that I picked this one because I saw it. I am well aware that there are others, namely Brandon Rios vs. Mike Alvarado, that are probably better choices. But for my money, Guerrero's bloody, eye-swollen victory over Berto is what boxing is all about-two young, evenly-matched fighters, in their prime and giving it all.
Fighter of the Year: Nonito Donaire
Many people will say that junior welterweight titlist Danny Garcia, with his upset victory over the "chinless" Amir Khan and his two wins against a shot Erik Morales make him deserving of this honor. And I am not denying that he crashed the boxing scene and had a great year, but one would be foolish to not bestow this honor upon Nonito "the Filipino Flash" Donaire.
He's been unbelievably active (four fights in 2012), defended his title in impressive fashion in each fight, and is not only the best Filipino boxer in the world with the great Pacquiao's recent loss, but he's arguably one of the top three boxers in the world, pound for pound.
Happy Holidays to all of my boxing fans and friends across the digital universe. I look forward to chatting with you next year!
