MANNY PACQUIAO PROMOTIONS PRESENTS “COUNTDOWN TO THRILLA IN MANILA” AND “THRILLA IN MANILA 50”
PhilBoxing.com
Fri, 17 Oct 2025
Two Historic Fight Cards Set for October 26 and October 29 in Manila to Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Muhammad Ali vs. Joe Frazier
MANILA, Philippines — In celebration of one of boxing’s most iconic fights of all time, Manny Pacquiao Promotions (MPP) proudly announces a monumental double-header: Countdown to Thrilla in Manila on Sunday, Oct. 26, at San Andres Coliseum, followed by the landmark Thrilla in Manila 50 event on Wednesday, Oct. 29, at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
A historical extravaganza across two action-packed nights of boxing, legendary boxer-turned-promoter Manny Pacquiao, with the help of MPP President Sean Gibbons, Chief Financial Officer and Vice President Tony Cohen, and Lead Matchmaker Brendan Gibbons have architected a monumental spectacle for the passionate Filipino fans. Countdown to Thrilla in Manila and Thrilla in Manila 50 serve as the last two tentpole events before MPP’s highly anticipated U.S. debut on Saturday, November 29 at Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, Calif.
Both shows will honor the 50th anniversary of Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier’s epic 1975 heavyweight showdown, one of the most legendary bouts in sports history, while showcasing the Philippines’ finest
fighters and rising international talent.
EVENT 1 — COUNTDOWN TO THRILLA IN MANILA
October 26 | San Andres Coliseum, Malate, Manila
The Countdown to Thrilla in Manila card kicks off the week’s festivities with three IBF titles up for grabs, headlined by reigning IBF Minimumweight World Champion Pedro Taduran (18-4-1, 13 KOs) defending against mandatory challenger Christian Balunan (12-0, 7 KOs).
In the co-main event, top-ten IBF contenders Esneth Domingo (22-3, 14 KOs) and Miel Fajardo (12-3-2, 11 KOs) collide for the vacant IBF Pan Pacific Flyweight Championship. Undefeated Hong Kong star Rex Tso (23-0, 14 KOs) faces India’s Sagar Chouhan (7-0-2, 3 KOs), the reigning UBO Champion, for the vacant IBF Pan Pacific Bantamweight Title.
Several additional fights will be on display for fans in attendance, highlighted by a pair of unbeaten Filipino featherweights as Lienard “The Matrix” Sarcon (13-0, 5 KOs) goes up against Junibert Bantay (9-0, 1 KO) in a ten-round battle.
Gretel De Paz (7-7-3, 2 KOs) will go eight rounds or less with Charimae Salvador (5-9, 2 KOs) for the vacant Philippine Women’s Bantamweight Title.
Undefeated Claire Villarosa (4-0-1, 2 KOs) will run it back with John Rey Labajo (4-3-2, 4 KOs) for the vacant Philippine Youth Super Flyweight Title in an eight-round affair after their first bout this past August ended in a majority draw.
Promising Filipino prospects Arvin Jhon Paciones (11-0, 6 KOs), Noli James Maquilan (11-3, 8 KOs), and Zyvyr Medecilo (6-0, 3 KOs) round out the undercard.
“Manny Pacquiao Promotions is bringing this Countdown to Thrilla in Manila card to the Philippines to give local fans a world-class event at home while celebrating the legacy of the original Thrilla, which made boxing fans out of so many people around the world,” said MPP President Sean Gibbons. “We’re thrilled to be highlighting these incredible athletes, free of charge, in what is the perfect prelude to an unforgettable anniversary night at Araneta.”
EVENT 2 — THRILLA IN MANILA 50
October 29 | Smart Araneta Coliseum, Manila
Capping the celebration, Thrilla in Manila 50 will feature a stacked international lineup, replete with three WBC title fights, headlined by WBC Minimumweight World Champion Melvin Jerusalem (24-3, 12 KOs), who defends his title against South Africa’s Siyakholwa Kuse (9-2-1, 4 KOs) in a 12-round affair.
“This is more than an event, it is a bridge between generations,” said Manny Pacquiao of MPP. “Fifty years after Ali and Frazier made history, we return to Manila to honor their greatness and to show the world that the spirit of boxing in the Philippines is stronger than ever.”
2020 Olympic Bronze Medalist Eumir Felix Marcial (6-0, 4 KOs) takes on Venezuelan knockout artist Eddy Colmenares (11-2-1, 11 KOs) in a 10-round co-main event for the vacant WBC International Middleweight Title.
A third title fight features WBC International Light Flyweight Champion Arvin “Hurricane” Magramo (19-2-1, 11 KOs) going toe-to-toe with fellow Filipino Berland Robles (12-0-1, 5 KOs) in a 10-round tilt.
Also appearing on the card:
Nico Ali Walsh (11-2, 5 KOs), grandson of Muhammad Ali, is returning to the Philippines to honor his grandfather’s legacy against Kittisak Klinson (10-2, 6 KOs) in an eight-round middleweight bout. In his third outing of 2025, Ali Walsh is poised for a career-defining performance that promises to become a landmark moment in his burgeoning career.
A pair of Filipino Super Bantamweights will look to put on a show for their countrymen as 26-year-old Filipino Carl “Wonder Boy” Martin (26-0, 20 KOs) takes on Thailand’s Aran Dipaen (21-4, 18 KOs), while 33-year-old Filipino fan-favorite Marlon Tapales (40-4, 21 KOs) takes on Venezuelan Fernando Toro (11-2, 9 KOs). Both Super Bantamweight contests are scheduled for ten rounds.
“Spearheading this event has been a tremendous honor,” said Lead Matchmaker Brendan Gibbons. “The Philippines stand as one of the boxing capitals of the world. Both Countdown to Thrilla in Manila and Thrilla in Manila 50 will see electric matchups featuring budding Filipino stars as MPP proudly recognizes the 50th anniversary of the Thrilla in Manila.”
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