Joe Calzaghe was runner-up, but voted manager of the year for guiding his own career. The undefeated former super middleweight champion recently retired.
Pacquiao won three times in 2008, highlighted by his stoppage of De La Hoya. Pacquiao's trainer, Freddie Roach, was voted trainer of the year, the third time he has won the award.
The super bantamweight rubber match between Israel Vazquez and Rafael Marquez was chosen fight of the year. Vazquez won the fight by split decision.
The awards will be presented at the annual BWAA dinner on June 12 in New York.