Pacman sets ‘Thrilla’ commemoration
By Joaquin Henson
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 31 Aug 2025
Boxing Hall of Famer Manny Pacquiao is setting the stage for the commemoration of the “Thrilla In Manila” on its 50th anniversary with a blockbuster card at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Oct. 29.
Pacquiao was accompanied by MP Promotions head Sean Gibbons, “Blow By Blow” CEO Marife Barrera, “Blow By Blow” operations chief Len Tomas, Liza Elorde, lawyer Glenn Gacal and assistant Choi Garcia Ascue at a morning courtesy call on President Marcos in Malacanang last Thursday. PSC chairman Patrick Gregorio was also present.
Pacquiao informed the Chief Executive of plans to hold the commemoration on his “Blow By Blow” TV program. Pacquiao presented President Marcos with a specially-made WBC championship belt that was flown in by Gibbons. The belt was commissioned by WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman who will attend the “Thrilla” celebration. On the strap are mounted the WBC emblem with flags of member countries and photos of the late President Marcos, Sr., President Marcos, Sulaiman’s late father and former WBC president Jose, Pacquiao, Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier. Gibbons’ Filipino assistant Cris Arias flew from Los Angeles to Mexico to pick up the belt last Sunday. Gibbons then brought the belt to Manila in time for the Malacanang meeting.
“The President and Manny had a lively conversation,” recounted Gibbons. “The President was 18 when the ‘Thrilla’ was held in Manila in 1975 and told us he visited Ali’s training camp at Folk Arts Theater. The President told a funny story about Ali inviting him to hold up his hands so he could show his punch speed then without doing anything, Ali asked do you want me to do it again?”
Gibbons said he’s under pressure to produce a fight card within 21 days. “This won’t be only about boxing, it’ll be an event,” he said. “WBC minimumweight champion Melvin Jerusalem will defend his title. We’re bringing over Eumir Marcial, Weljohn Mindoro, Marlon Tapales and Carl Jammes Martin. We plan to feature Ali’s grandson Nico Walsh, too. Depending on logistics, we hope Larry Holmes, Jacqui Frazier and Laila Ali can come for the occasion.”
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