Filipino Fighters Unite for Pacquiao’s “Thrilla in Manila” 50th Anniversary Celebration
By Dong Secuya
PhilBoxing.com
Tue, 28 Oct 2025
Jerusalem (L) and Marcial (R).
World Boxing Council (WBC) strawweight champion Melvin Jerusalem and a stellar lineup of Filipino fighters could not hide their excitement over Manny Pacquiao’s historic move to stage the 50th anniversary of the “Thrilla in Manila.”
“The moment I learned about Senator Manny Pacquiao’s wish to celebrate the Thrilla and have me as its main event, I felt overjoyed,” said Jerusalem, who will make the third defense of his WBC 105-pound crown against South African contender Siyakholwa Kuse on Wednesday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, the very venue where the original “Thrilla in Manila” between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier took place on October 1, 1975.
“I am so excited to be part of this landmark moment in Philippine sports,” Jerusalem added. “To defend my world title on the same stage where Ali and Frazier once fought is an honor I will never forget.”
Like Jerusalem, Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist and unbeaten professional Eumir Marcial expressed his delight at being featured in the anniversary card being promoted by Pacquiao’s Blow-By-Blow team—reviving the grassroots boxing program that first launched Pacquiao’s own career in the 1990s.
“I have always wanted to be associated with my longtime idol, Manny Pacquiao,” Marcial said. “Getting the opportunity to fight under his promotional banner is something I’m very proud of.” Marcial is set to face Venezuelan knockout artist Eddy Colmenares in a middleweight special attraction.
Jerusalem, who is fighting for the second time under the Blow-By-Blow banner, said the partnership continues to inspire him to perform at his best. “Every time I step into the ring representing the Philippines and Blow-By-Blow, I want to make the fans proud,” he said.
Also throwing their full support behind Pacquiao’s golden celebration are super-bantamweight standouts Marlon Tapales and Carl Jammes Martin who will appear in separate bouts on the undercard. Former world champion Tapales faces Fernando Toro of Venezuela while
Martin takes on Thailand's Aran Dipaen. Their participation underscores the event’s theme of Filipino pride and global excellence, honoring both the past and future of Philippine boxing.
Pacquiao, the eight-division world champion and global boxing icon, said the 50th anniversary celebration is a tribute to the enduring legacy of the Ali–Frazier classic, widely regarded as one of the greatest fights in boxing history.
“Until now, half a century later, when you ask fight fans about the ‘Thrilla in Manila,’ their eyes light up and they tell you about the action, the courage, and the drama of that unforgettable event,” Pacquiao said.
“I believe that fifty years from now, the Thrilla will still stand as one of the greatest and most inspiring moments in sports history.”
The “Thrilla in Manila 50th Anniversary” celebration, headlined by Jerusalem’s title defense and Marcial’s featured bout, is expected to draw a packed house at the Araneta Coliseum and millions of fans watching worldwide—once again reminding the world why the Philippines remains a beating heart of global boxing.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Dong Secuya.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
ThunderDome 52 Card Preview
Tue, 18 Nov 2025Los Angeles Lakers may be under NBA gambling Investigation
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Tue, 18 Nov 2025PLAYER+ and BIBA Announce Official Partnership
Tue, 18 Nov 2025Roberto Racasa Claims 7 Medals at Asia Open International Memory Championships in Hyderabad, India
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 18 Nov 2025Bacnotan Pickleball Club Marks First Anniversary With Tournament
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 18 Nov 2025Connor Benn Targets Barrios' WBC Welter Belt After Defeating Chris Eubank Jnr
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Mon, 17 Nov 2025NBA Daily: Sans Wembanyama, Spurs Dominate Kings 123 – 110
By Reylan Loberternos, Mon, 17 Nov 2025GM Joey Antonio finishes second in Spain chess tilt
By Marlon Bernardino, Mon, 17 Nov 2025A Tall Order: Rafael Espinoza KOs Arnold Khegai to Retain Featherweight Crown
Sun, 16 Nov 2025Conor Benn dominates Chris Eubank Jr to claim emphatic rematch victory
By Dong Secuya, Sun, 16 Nov 2025Filipino GM Antonio beats Argentinian CM Daniri , maintains second place in Spain chess tourney
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 16 Nov 2025NBA ALL STAR 2026: USA VS. WORLD
By Maloney L. Samaco, Sun, 16 Nov 2025Chris Eubank Jr. vs Conor Benn 2: Will Eubank Step on the Gas Pedal Earlier?
By Chris Carlson, Sat, 15 Nov 2025Filipino Boxers Make Weight in Highland Show in Thailand
By Carlos Costa, Sat, 15 Nov 2025Tickets ON SALE NOW for Xander Zayas vs. Abass Baraou Title Unification Showdown at Coliseo de Puerto Rico in San Juan
Sat, 15 Nov 2025