Photos: Terence Crawford, Trainer Given Highest Honor By WBO

By Ludo Saenz, notifight.com

American boxer Terence Crawford, who has reigned in the lightweight and super lightweight divisions, was given the biggest honor on Thursday night from the World Boxing Organization (WBO), who named him as their "Fighter of the Year" at the close of the 30th Annual Convention that took place this week on a Caribbean cruise, which had a special visit to Havana, Cuba.

Crawford received the handwritten plaque from Puerto Rico's Francisco "Paco" Valcárcel, president of WBO, who was accompanied by all of the members of the organization's executive board, at an awards ceremony held shortly after a Gala Dinner for the closing of this world conclave, attended by fighters, coaches, managers, promoters and leaders of international boxing body.

Hours earlier, Crawford announced his retirement from the 140-pound weight class, to make a move to welterweight, where he was placed as the first challenger position to the title held by Australia's Jeff Horn.

Terence is ranked one position above Filipino legend Manny Pacquiao. Horn, Crawford and Pacquiao are all handled by Top Rank. 

Crawford was pleased with this new distinction from WBO, an organization with which he has worked hand in hand since the beginning of his career, projecting himself to a world champion in two divisions.

But the person who was most pleased was Bryan McIntyre, who was recognized as the "Trainer of the Year."

McIntyre, the coach of Crawford, was very emotional with the recognition given to him by Valcárcel.