Marcial steals thunder after winning epic slugfest

Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist Eumir Marcial stole the spotlight from the main-event world title fight when he secured a 10-round majority decision win over Venezuelan Eddy Colmenares early Thursday morning during the 50th anniversary celebration of the Thrilla in Manila at the Araneta Coliseum.

In what could be a strong candidate for Fight of the Year, Marcial overcame knockdowns in the third and tenth rounds to earn scores of 94-all and 95-93 (twice) in his favor.

The victory improved Marcial’s record to 7-0-0 with four knockouts, making it extra special as it coincided with his 30th birthday.

Colmenares, who entered the bout with an 11-2-1 record with all victories by knockout, proved to be a durable and courageous opponent. He floored Marcial in the third round with a mini-barrage that had the crowd gasping, as the Filipino southpaw appeared one clean shot away from being finished.

Marcial, however, stood his ground and stormed back, putting the taller, rangier Colmenares in trouble throughout much of the fight. In the final round, while attempting to finish Colmenares on the ropes, Marcial took a clean shot but cleverly fought from a distance until the final bell.

“I am very thankful to Sen. Manny Pacquiao for the opportunity,” Marcial said after his toughest fight ever.

In the main event, Melvin Jerusalem defeated South African Siyakholwa Kuse via a 12-round unanimous decision, with scores of 115-113, 116-112 (twice). Jerusalem found Kuse a formidable opponent, as the visiting fighter displayed skill even against the crafty and experienced Jerusalem. The win improved Jerusalem’s record to 25-3-0 with 12 knockouts, while Kuse suffered his third defeat in 13 bouts.

Nico Ali Walsh, grandson of Muhammad Ali, and Kittisak Klinsonn of Thailand battled to an eight-round middleweight draw in a fight witnessed ringside by President Bongbong Marcos, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and Senator Manny Pacquiao with wife Jinkee.

Former unified world super-bantamweight champion Marlon Tapales stopped Venezuelan Fernando Toro in the sixth round. Another rising star, Carl Jammes Martin, also in the super-bantamweight class, defeated Aran Dipaen of Thailand on points.

Crowd favorite Eman Bacosa beat Nico Salado on points in their six-round lightweight duel, boosting his record to 7-0-1 with four knockouts.