Pacman to stage ‘Thrilla’ celebration
By Joaquin Henson
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 26 Mar 2025
Boxing icon and the only eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao is staging a major celebration to commemorate the “Thrilla In Manila” on its 50th golden anniversary this year with the goal of cementing the country’s legacy in global sports.
Pacquiao intends to highlight the week-long event with a boxing card at the Smart Araneta Coliseum where Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier battled before over 36,000 fans on Oct. 1, 1975. At least two world title fights featuring Filipinos will headline the show. The card will be on “Blow By Blow,” the TV program that launched Pacquiao’s career in 1995 and he revived in 2022. Event organizer Liza Elorde said plans are still being mapped out and will be finalized after the coming elections. The fights will be on Oct. 4, a Saturday and on the anniversary date itself, Oct. 1, a gala dinner will be held at the Okada Manila Hotel and Resort.
MP Promotions head Sean Gibbons said Elorde and the “Blow by Blow” staff, headed by CEO Marife Barrera, will spearhead the staging of the festivities. The world title fights will be determined depending on the availability of WBC minimumweight champion Melvin Jerusalem, IBF minimumweight titlist Pedro Taduran and contenders Mark Magsayo, Marlon Tapales and Carl Jammes Martin. The undercard could feature Ali’s grandson Nico Walsh and possibly, Pacquiao’s son Jimuel. “If ever Jimuel decides to turn pro, it would be amazing if he could do it on the anniversary show,” said Gibbons. “He trains everyday at Wild Card in LA and is very dedicated to improve his craft.”
Expected to attend the celebration are “Thrilla” co-promoters Bob Arum and Don King, WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman, referee Carlos Padilla, former heavyweight champion Larry Holmes and Ali confidante Gene Kilroy. According to boxing enthusiast Eric Schmidt, Kilroy was at ringside for the “Thrilla” and gave $100 to a boy to deliver a bucket of ice cubes before the fight. The ice cubes were slid into Ali’s trunks in between rounds to cool him from the high humidity. Kilroy, 84, told Schmidt he wouldn’t miss coming for the celebration. Kilroy was a pallbearer in Ali’s funeral. Padilla, 90, also confirmed his attendance to Schmidt.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Joaquin Henson.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Villarosa draws with Labajo, Enano wins
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 02 Sep 2025Suarez, Magsayo Reliving High Point in PH Boxing at Super Featherweights
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Tue, 02 Sep 2025Pacman back into full-time boxing
By Joaquin Henson, Tue, 02 Sep 2025Unbeaten Laurente Dominates Marapu to Capture IBF Pan-Pacific Lightweight Crown; Gaballo Wins in Co-Main Event
Tue, 02 Sep 2025Thunderdome 51 Review: Perth’s Joel Lewis claims title with stunning knockout
Tue, 02 Sep 2025Paulette Cuesta and Susy Kandy Sandoval Set for Highly Anticipated Rematch in Tijuana
Tue, 02 Sep 2025THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 31 August 2025
By Eric Armit, Mon, 01 Sep 2025Gaballo, Laurente prevail in Gensan
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 01 Sep 2025Paalam leads ABAP team in Liverpool
By Joaquin Henson, Mon, 01 Sep 2025OKC Thunder Favored to Repeat as NBA Champs
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Mon, 01 Sep 2025Pacman sets ‘Thrilla’ commemoration
By Joaquin Henson, Sun, 31 Aug 2025Historic win for Paolo Gallito who edges Lee Van Cortez in the finals of the Efren "Bata" Reyes Yalin 10-Ball Championships
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 31 Aug 2025"The Return" Weights from Detroit
Sun, 31 Aug 2025Efren Reyes Yalin 10-Ball Tourney: Corteza Faces Villafuerte in Finals
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 31 Aug 2025Martha Salazar: Stepping Out of Her Own Shadow
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, Sat, 30 Aug 2025