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:
Press Conference Notes: Xander Zayas & Abass Baraou Face Off Ahead of January 31 Title Unification Showdown in San Juan, Puerto Rico
Thu, 13 Nov 2025Historic Turnout at the 1st Tigerhead Rapid Open Chess Tournament in Laos
By Marlon Bernardino, Thu, 13 Nov 2025The Hammer Returns to the Fray With a Bang
By Gianluca (Rio) Di Caro, Wed, 12 Nov 2025Monzón and Coggi are new Argentina Boxing Hall of Fame members
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 12 Nov 2025GM Antonio moves to 2nd in Spain chess tilt
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 12 Nov 2025Teflon Promotion to host Re:Play Volume 1 on November 22nd at The Alan Horwitz “Sixth Man” Center
Wed, 12 Nov 2025THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 10 NOVEMBER 2025
By Eric Armit, Wed, 12 Nov 2025FLORES AND CORDINA PREDICT KO NIGHT IN STOCKTON
Wed, 12 Nov 2025Lightweight Prospect Charley Leigh Brown Added To Hunter Vs Frankham Card 5th December
Wed, 12 Nov 2025Mavericks' Cooper Flagg becomes the second 18-year-old player to score 25 points
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 12 Nov 2025Sit back and enjoy, "Bata' Reyes book is out
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 12 Nov 2025'THE RING: UNFINISHED BUSINESS': CHRIS EUBANK JR-CONOR BENN II FIGHT WEEK LAUNCHES WITH INTENSE LONDON FACE-OFF
Tue, 11 Nov 2025OKC Thunder Quickly Grabs League Lead; Competition Performing Per Formchart
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Tue, 11 Nov 2025Reyes rules 17th edition of Kamatyas FIDE Rated Rapid Chess Tournament
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 11 Nov 2025SPORTS RECORDS 11: NONITO DONAIRE'S TWO KNOCKOUTS OF THE YEAR
By Maloney L. Samaco, Tue, 11 Nov 2025