Pacquiao secures Marcos’ backing for ‘Thrilla in Manila’ 50th anniversary celebration

Filipino boxing icon and former senator Manny Pacquiao has secured the support of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for the grand commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the historic “Thrilla in Manila” this October.

Pacquiao paid a courtesy call to the President in Malacañang on Thursday, presenting him with a WBC belt and gloves as tokens while formally laying out the plans for the anniversary event.

“Nandito tayo para mag-present sa kanya ng ating WBC belt saka ‘yung gloves na regalo din natin sa kanya and pinresent natin ‘yung celebration ng ‘Thrilla in Manila’… anniversary ng ‘Thrilla in Manila’,” Pacquiao said.

“So, we asked his support at saka sa lahat ng ahensya ng gobyerno para i-celebrate itong 50th anniversary ng ‘Thrilla in Manila,’” he added.

According to Pacquiao, Marcos not only welcomed the idea but also pledged full government backing, a move that will help ensure the milestone is celebrated in fitting fashion for one of the greatest boxing spectacles ever staged on Philippine soil.

The anniversary festivities, set on October 29 at the historic Smart Araneta Coliseum, will pay tribute to the unforgettable heavyweight championship clash between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier. 

The original bout, held on October 1, 1975, saw Ali prevail via 14th-round stoppage after Frazier’s trainer Eddie Futch famously refused to let his fighter continue, telling him: “Sit down, son. Nobody will forget what you did here today.”

The fight has since been immortalized as one of boxing’s most brutal battles. Held in sweltering conditions, with temperatures inside the packed coliseum exceeding 38°C (100°F), Ali later described the fight as “the closest thing to dying.”

The original spectacle was made possible through the efforts of then-President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., who brought the heavyweight showdown to Manila, cementing the Philippines’ place in global boxing history.

Now, five decades later, Pacquiao is leading the charge to honor that legacy with “Thrilla in Manila 2.” The 46-year-old boxing legend, fresh from his return to the ring in July where he fought WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios to a majority draw, said Marcos Jr.’s commitment to back the commemoration gives the event an “all out support” stamp from the government.

More than just a celebration, Pacquiao said the anniversary will also serve as an inspiration for the next generation of Filipino athletes, underscoring the Philippines’ proud place in world sports history.

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