Lennox Lewis has been pipped to the title of World Boxing Council boxer of the year by Mexican super-bantamweight Erik Morales.

Lewis, who has held the WBC heavyweight title since February 1997 and added the IBF and WBA belts by beating Evander Holyfield in November, finished runner-up.

Russian-born Australian Konstantin Tszyu came third.

Morales, 23, is unbeaten in 34 bouts with 28 knockouts and took 27 of the 34 votes.

Lewis gained some consolation by being handed awards for 'exploit of the year' and 'most dramatic fight of the year' - for his first fight draw with Holyfield.

The WBC welterweight title scrap between Oscar de la Hoya and Felix Trinidad was named 'fight of the year'.