President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. celebrates next generation of Filipino boxers at Thrilla in Manila II

The Philippines recently celebrated the 50th anniversary of the legendary “Thrilla in Manila” at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, with Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao’s MP Promotions organizing the event. 

Dubbed “Thrilla in Manila II,” the commemoration featured the country’s top boxers and was attended by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos.

President Marcos, a known supporter of sports development in the country, used the occasion to honor the new generation of Filipino boxers. In a Facebook post, he wrote:

OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

“Fifty years ago, the world watched the Philippines host one of the greatest boxing matches in history. The Thrilla in Manila was a moment that cemented our country’s place in global sports.”

LOOK: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos attended on Wednesday evening the 50th anniversary commemoration of the “Thrilla in Manila” at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

Read more:https://t.co/0tPgwBJ2Un pic.twitter.com/JZ2qT97Mgj

— GMA Integrated News (@gmanews) October 30, 2025

The event marked the 50th anniversary of the historic third and final bout between undisputed champion Muhammad Ali and former champion Joe Frazier, held on October 1, 1975, at the Araneta Coliseum.

Highlight bouts included a middleweight clash between Nico Ali Walsh, grandson of Muhammad Ali, and Thailand’s Kittisak Klinson, which ended in a draw. Filipino boxing stars also took the spotlight, including WBC Strawweight World Champion Melvin Jerusalem, Eumir Marcial, Carl Jammes Martin, and Marlon Tapales, competing in their respective weight classes.

The event not only paid tribute to Ali vs. Frazier but also showcased the Philippines’ rich sporting heritage and rising talent on a global stage. Marcos Jr. provided full government support, directing agencies to assist with the event and commending Manny Pacquiao for organizing it.

“Congratulations to our People’s Champ, Manny Pacquiao, for keeping this milestone alive and inspiring every Filipino athlete to aim higher and fight harder. Mabuhay ang atletang Pilipino,” the President said.

Notably, the original 1975 Thrilla in Manila was attended by Marcos Jr.’s father, then-President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr., and the First Family, linking the historic bout to the present celebration of Philippine boxing excellence.

👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and join the community of passionate sports fans.