Fresh from his engagements at the ASEAN Summit earlier this week, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. joined Filipino boxing fans and international guests to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the legendary “Thrilla in Manila,” one of the most iconic bouts in sports history.
Dubbed “Thrilla in Manila 2,” the golden anniversary event transformed the Smart Araneta Coliseum into a nostalgic yet electrifying arena for a tribute to the Philippines’ continuing boxing legacy.
President Marcos arrived with First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos, warmly received by former Senator Manny Pacquiao Jr., CEO of MP Promotions; former Senator Mar Roxas II, owner of Araneta City; and Jorge L. Araneta, Chairman of the Araneta Group of Companies.
The President witnessed a symbolic highlight of the night, a middleweight clash between Nico Ali Walsh, grandson of boxing legend Muhammad Ali, and Thai fighter Kittisak Klinsom, which ended in a draw.
The matchup served as a touching homage to the 1975 Ali–Frazier duel that captivated the world.
The event also showcased some of the Philippines’ finest boxing talents, with World Boxing Council (WBC) Strawweight World Champion Melvin Jerusalem headlining the main event, Olympic bronze medalist Eumir Marcial contending for the WBC International Middleweight Championship, and rising stars Carl Jammes Martin and Marlon Tapales thrilling the crowd in their Junior Featherweight bouts.
Beyond the punches and pageantry, the event symbolized the Philippines’ proud sporting tradition.
The “Thrilla in Manila 2” not only honored the golden anniversary of the Ali–Frazier clash but also spotlighted the country’s growing influence in the global boxing scene, from grassroots gyms to world title rings.
In recognition of the event’s cultural importance, Malacañang earlier issued Memorandum Circular No. 99, directing all government agencies and instrumentalities to support the commemoration of the 1975 classic.
Half a century ago, the original “Thrilla in Manila” — attended by then President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr. and the First Family — saw Muhammad Ali defeat Joe Frazier via technical knockout after 14 brutal rounds, reclaiming the heavyweight crown and cementing his legacy as one of boxing’s greatest icons.
Fifty years later, Marcos Jr.’s presence marked both a familial and national full circle, a testament to the enduring power of sports to inspire, unite, and define a generation.
“Thrilla in Manila 2” wasn’t just a night of boxing. It was a celebration of history, heritage, and the fighting spirit that continues to make the Philippines a global force inside the ring.