Golden plans for ‘Thrilla’ tribute
By Joaquin Henson
PhilBoxing.com
Thu, 02 Jan 2025
A date has been set for the 50th anniversary celebration of the “Thrilla In Manila” and the goal is to stage a star-studded show, highlighted by three world championship fights involving Filipinos, on Oct. 4 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum where Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier battled in 1975.
MP Promotions head Sean Gibbons is spearheading preparations for the event and said eight-division world titlist Manny Pacquiao will back it up. “I’ve just spoken with the Senator who’s all for it,” said Gibbons in a call from his Las Vegas home. “It will be featured on his ‘Blow By Blow’ show.” The 1975 fight was held on Oct. 1, Wednesday morning, Manila time, for prime time night viewing in the US. Gibbons said the commemoration will be on a Saturday.
If plans don’t miscarry, Gibbons said a press conference to announce the coming event will be set up in February or March. For the commemoration, Gibbons said WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman, Bob Arum, Don King, referee Sonny Padilla, Larry Holmes, Ali’s daughter Laila and Frazier’s daughter Jacqui will be invited. Both Arum and King were in Manila for the “Thrilla.” They’re now both 93. Holmes, 75, stopped Rodney Bobick on the “Thrilla” undercard and went on to become world champion. Laila, 46 and Jacqui, 63, fought in 2001 with Ali winning a majority decision. Laila is now a TV personality while Jacqui is a practicing lawyer. Ali’s grandson Nico Walsh, 24, is a pro middleweight and will be invited to fight on the commemorative undercard. Walsh, however, has not fought since May 2023. His record is 10-1 with five KOs and one no-contest.
Gibbons said stars will need to be aligned for three Filipinos to figure in world title fights in October. Projected to see action are WBC minimumweight ruler Melvin Jerusalem, WBC No. 2 superfeatherweight Mark Magsayo and WBC No. 2 superbantamweight Marlon Tapales. Jerusalem is lined up to stake his crown against Yudai Shigeoka in Japan in February or March and if he retains the belt, will defend it on the tribute card. Magsayo is due for a tune-up in February and will likely face No. 1 contender Rocky Hernandez in a title eliminator in May. If Magsayo wins, he’ll challenge for the WBC title here. Undisputed world superbantamweight champion Naoya Inoue is expected to move up to featherweight, leaving Tapales to battle for the vacant throne.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Joaquin Henson.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Japan's Boxing Golden Age Remains Limited to the Lower Weights
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Thu, 03 Jul 2025No issues with fight ref
By Joaquin Henson, Thu, 03 Jul 2025Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimàn: Grand Muay Thai event in Verona
By Mauricio Sulaimán, Thu, 03 Jul 2025Morelle McCane and Rene Camacho Advance to Quarterfinals of World Boxing Cup: Astana 2025
Thu, 03 Jul 20253 Division World Champion & Hall of Famer Marco Antonio Barrera Confirmed for Eighth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Mexican Independence Day Weekend, Saturday September 13, in Las Vegas
Thu, 03 Jul 2025ESPN Original Series The Fight Life Returns for Season Two on July 7
Wed, 02 Jul 2025TOP-RATED LIGHTWEIGHT KO ARTIST ARMANDO MARTINEZ RABI RETURNS
Wed, 02 Jul 2025Amazing Muay Thai WBC Festival 2025
Wed, 02 Jul 2025Borromeo Leads Winners of the Philippine Speedcubing Championships
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 02 Jul 2025What If Pacquiao Defeats Barrios?
By Ralph Rimpell, Wed, 02 Jul 2025Team USA Earns Three Wins on Day Two of World Boxing Cup: Astana 2025
Wed, 02 Jul 2025Women's Boxing Champion Signs with Combate Global, Still Aims For WBC Absolute Gold
Wed, 02 Jul 2025Sanman Boxing Presents Hard-Hitting Prospect Abubakar Yanon Set to Challenge for Philippine Boxing Federation Flyweight Title in Malungon, Sarangani Province
Wed, 02 Jul 2025Boxing Returns to Tropicana Atlantic City, July 25
Wed, 02 Jul 2025THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 30 June 2025: Zurdo Outpoints Dorticos, Keeps WBA/WBO Cruiser Titles; Mbilli Stops Sulecki in 1; Wins by Kuroki, Wilder and Jake Paul
By Eric Armit, Tue, 01 Jul 2025