Boxing BC has named Nelson's Riel Martinez the best adult male athlete in the province.
Martinez was awarded the annual honour during the provincial championships held last weekend in Richmond. The 19-year-old also captured his second consecutive provincial title by winning two bouts in the elite 65-kilogram division.
Martinez, who is ranked No. 1 in his weight class, will next compete at November's nationals in Sarnia, Ont. He's now won six youth provincial titles and two as an adult.
In Richmond, Martinez earned a walk-over into the semifinal as the defending champion. He defeated Alex Lee of East Vancouver in a unanimous decision, then overcame southpaw Philip Wilson of Port Coquitlam in the final by split decision.
Milane D'Aurelie was awarded best female youth during a year in which she became Nelson's first national champion. Jaxon Zaytsoff meanwhile earned the Jimmy Symms Award for best student athlete.
Lola Brouillette, Nelson's current sports ambassador, was named provincial champion in a walk-over and will join Martinez at nationals.