Promoter Bob Arum, a major player during the staging of the Thrilla in Manila in 1975, is more than willing to join the country’s 50th year celebration of the classic world heavyweight title fight in October.

Despite his age, the 93-year-old New Yorker remains active in running Top Rank.

In fact, there is no sign whatsoever that he is slowing down.

“I travel to Japan four times a year and that’s just a short hop from Tokyo,” he said from Las Vegas during an online chat with Filipino reporters on Thursday.

Arum joined hands with Don King in bringing Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier for the 30 September 1975 clash at the Araneta Coliseum “where the fight was held around 11 a.m.”

Sounding nostalgic, Arum recalled how he squinted when he came out of the venue because of the blazing sun.

“I have great memories of the Thrilla in Manila,” he added.

Plans are afoot for a grand commemoration of the Golden Year of the Thrilla with the legendary Manny Pacquiao spearheading the celebration penciled for 4 October.

The influential American dealmaker Sean Gibbons will also be heavily involved in the project that Pacquiao wants to become a truly huge event.

To spice it up, Pacquiao will be importing personages from the Thrilla and even personalities aligned with or related to Ali and Frazier.

Ali and Frazier are no longer around but referee Carlos Padilla is and is based in the US while King is still alive but not as active as Arum.

Also, two or three world title fights will be staged with Filipino boxers seeing action.