The Boxing Writers Association of America is pleased to announce that Colin Hart has been chosen as the 2011 winner of the Nat Fleischer award for "Excellence in Boxing Journalism." The vote was conducted among past winners of the Fleischer award.

Hart, 76, becomes the first British writer to win this award, which was first given by the BWAA in 1972.

Hart has been covering boxing for 47 years, primarily for The London Sun as a mass circulation correspondent and columnist. His duties for The Sun also included reporting on Track & Field. Hart has covered eight Olympic Games.

The first fight that Hart covered was a memorable one: the Muhammad Ali - Joe Frazier match at Madison Square Garden in 1971. Thereafter he covered all of Ali's major fights as well as those of other legendary boxers.

Hart has won numerous writing awards, but none as big as the Fleischer, he says. "This is the best Christmas present I can have" said Hart, upon hearing the news. "I am deeply honored and flattered that my name can be mentioned alongside the other talented writers who have won the award."

Hart is looking forward to attending the 87th annual BWAA dinner, where he will receive his award along with other honorees. The date and location will be announced in the coming weeks. For more information log onto BWAA.ORG