THE country will be reprising the staging of one of boxing’s most enthralling fights in the history of the sport.
The Thrilla in Manila 2 is finally a go on October 29 at the historic Smart Araneta Coliseum after boxing legend Manny Pacquiao pitched the idea to no less than President Bongbong Marcos in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the iconic heavyweight title clash between the late Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier.
The 46-year-old Pacquiao discussed the hosting of the boxing card to the Chief Executive on Thursday during a courtesy call at Malacanang.
“Pinresent natin yung celebration ng anniversary ng Thrilla in Manila. So we asked his support at saka sa lahat ng ahensya ng gobyerno para i-celebrate itong 50th anniversary (ng Thrilla in Manila),” Pacquiao told Palace reporters following this visit.
The former senator said Marcos told him he’s going to personally watch the fight card which will be tentatively headlined by Melvin Jerusalem staking his World Boxing Council mini-flyweight crown.
READ: Jerusalem title defense eyed for 'Thrilla in Manila' card
“It was an amazing experience,” said MP Promotions President Sean Gibbons of the meeting which lasted for almost half an hour.
Also present was Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Patrick Gregorio, who was invited by the Office of the President.
During their talk, the President recalled to Pacquiao how he once visited Ali in training at the Folk Arts Theater during the days leading to the ‘Thrilla’ on October 1, 1975.
The Chief Executive said Ali shadow boxed in front of the international press with him serving as sparring partner.
“Yung nag-jab siya natatakot ako kasi pag nagkamali ako nito, tatamaan ako nito,” said the President.
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Pacquiao later presented the Chief Executive with his WBC belt and a signed boxing gloves.
The meeting also served as platform for the two leaders to exchange ideas on how to restore the Philippines' former glory in sports.
The visit comes after Pacquiao's celebrated return to the ring in July when he ended a four-year retirement and challenged WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios in a 12-round title clash that ended in a majority draw.
Pacquiao’s renewed focus on boxing and sports development signals a collaborative effort with the government to inspire a new generation of Filipino athletes and elevate the country's standing on the global sports stage.
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