MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine boxing community is buzzing with excitement and pride as eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao prepares to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the legendary “Thrilla in Manila.” Pacquiao’s initiative to stage a major boxing event celebrating the historic 1975 fight between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier has drawn enthusiastic support from the country’s top contemporary fighters, many of whom are set to compete on the anniversary card.
The Main Event: A Dream Come True
Leading the chorus of praise is Melvin Jerusalem, the reigning World Boxing Council (WBC) strawweight champion. Jerusalem expressed his overwhelming joy at being tapped for the main event of such a landmark celebration.
“The moment I learned about Senator Manny Pacquiao’s wish to celebrate the Thrilla and have me as its main event, I felt overjoyed,” said Jerusalem. He is scheduled to make the third defense of his WBC 105-pound crown against South African contender Siyakholwa Kuse this Wednesday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum—the very venue that hosted the original “Thrilla.”
Jerusalem underscored the significance of his inclusion, stating, “I am so excited to be a part of this landmark moment in Philippine sports.” This will be Jerusalem’s second time fighting under Pacquiao’s promotional banner, Blow-By-Blow, a partnership that allows him to showcase his ring skills to a global audience.
Olympic Medalist Joins the Historic Card
The enthusiasm is shared by Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist and undefeated professional boxer Eumir Marcial. Marcial views his participation in the event, orchestrated by Pacquiao’s Blow-By-Blow team, as a definitive “dream come true.”
“I have always wanted to be associated with my longtime idol Manny Pacquiao and getting the opportunity to fight under his promotional banner is something I am very proud of,” Marcial commented. He is set for a middleweight special attraction bout, clashing with Venezuelan knockout artist Eddy Colmenares.
Supporting the Legacy
The significance of the event extends to the undercard, featuring other prominent Filipino talents who have rallied behind Pacquiao’s tribute. Top super-bantamweight prospects Carl Jammes Martin and Marlon Tapales have also pledged their “100 percent support” for the Thrilla anniversary show. Both fighters are scheduled to take on separate international opponents, adding depth and prestige to the highly anticipated card.
Pacquiao’s Vision: Honoring the Golden Anniversary
Manny Pacquiao himself is spearheading the celebration, which marks the golden anniversary of the epic 14-round war between Ali and Frazier on October 1, 1975. For the boxing legend, the event is a deeply personal homage to one of the sport’s greatest moments.
Pacquiao reflected on the fight’s enduring impact, noting, “Until now, half a century later, when you ask fight fans about the Thrilla in Manila, their eyes light up and they tell you about the action and the drama of that momentous event.”
He firmly believes the “Thrilla’s” legacy will continue for generations. “I believe that 50 years from now, the Thrilla would still be up there among the greatest and most unforgettable moments in sports history.”
By featuring today’s top Filipino boxers, Pacquiao’s anniversary event aims to connect the present generation of fighters with the glory of the past, reinforcing the Philippines’ rich boxing heritage on the world stage.
