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MANILA SET TO STAGE THRILLA 5O YEARS ON
Manila is preparing to host one of the biggest boxing events of the year as the Philippines celebrates the 50th anniversary of the iconic "Thrilla in Manila"—the legendary 1975 clash between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier.
Spearheading the event is Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao, who is curating a blockbuster card featuring three world title fights, in a night that promises to echo the glory of that historic bout
Three Filipino Stars on the World Stage
In a show of national pride and world-class talent, the event will showcase the Philippines’ top boxing champions:
Melvin Jerusalem, reigning WBC strawweight world champion,
Pedro Taduran, IBF minimumweight titleholder, and
Mark “Magnifico” Magsayo, a rising star in the super-featherweight ranks.
Fresh off his impressive July 19th victory over Mexico’s Jorge Mata in Las Vegas, Magsayo is primed for a world title shot. If a championship bout isn’t secured in time, he will still feature in a world title eliminator, keeping his path to the belt in clear view.
Jerusalem, meanwhile, delivered a clinical win against Yudai Shigeoka in Nagoya earlier this year, and Taduran successfully defended his title in May with a super dominant performance over Ginjiro Shigeoka in Osaka.
The official date of the event is still under discussion, with major stakeholders coordinating logistics to ensure a seamless production. However, anticipation is already building as the country prepares to mark the golden jubilee of one of boxing’s greatest nights.
“This is a milestone for Philippine boxing and global sports history,” said Pacquiao, who has assembled a world-class team to deliver a show befitting the occasion. “We’re doing everything to make sure this celebration is truly unforgettable.”
A Week of Boxing History and Global Guests
Beyond the fight card, the event will serve as a week-long celebration of boxing history, with plans to fly in international luminaries such as Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum and legendary Filipino referee Carlos Padilla.
Efforts are also being made to involve the children of Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier, adding a deeply personal and symbolic layer to the festivities.
The World Boxing Council (WBC) has confirmed its major involvement, with current president Mauricio Sulaiman expected to play a prominent role.
Pacquiao has appointed Sean Gibbons to oversee international coordination, while Joe Ramos will lead domestic preparations.
With world titles on the line, legends in attendance, and a legacy to honor, Manila’s 50th anniversary tribute to the Thrilla is shaping up to be a truly once-in-a-generation event.
*story courtesy of Nick Andrew Giongco of the Daily Tribune
