‘Thrilla 2′ a chance to showcase Filipino boxers, Manny Pacquiao says

On Oct. 29, Filipino boxers will take center stage to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the legendary Thrilla in Manila that saw the last fight between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier.

For Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao, Thrilla 2 not only celebrates the end of the trilogy between Ali and Frazier, but also puts the spotlight on rising Filipino boxers.

“It’s a big help for our boxers na mabigyan ng break, malaking bagay ‘to sa ibang boxers na mapakita ‘yong talent nila, and to encourage sila,” Pacquiao said in a press conference on Wednesday, Oct. 1.

Pacquiao said Filipino boxers have expressed their dismay at the lack of promotion over the years.

“Karamihan ng mga boxers na nae-encounter ko, para silang nanlulumo kasi walang nagpo-promote kaya sinisikap natin ng promotion, like Blow-by-blow, magka-chance silang lumaban, mahasa sila,” he added.

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Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao pays tribute to history as he attends the press conference commemorating the 50th anniversary of ‘Thrilla in Manila’ — the legendary bout between heavyweight legends Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier at the Araneta Coliseum. pic.twitter.com/Be0Q9z5u4l

— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) October 1, 2025

The card will be headlined by World Boxing Council (WBC) champion Melvin Jerusalem, who is one of only two Filipino world champions, alongside Pedro Taduran, who will banner the countdown card.

Jerusalem will defend his crown against Siyakholwa Kuse, while Olympian Eumir Marcial will face Eddy Colmenares for the vacant WBC International Middleweight title in the co-main event.

Pacquiao, who fought three times at the Araneta Coliseum, expressed his excitement in promoting the card with his promotion, Blow-by-Blow.

“Excited ako and happy, lumaban nako rito sa Araneta, then now magpo-promote ako ng big fight [na gaya nito], world title fight and celebration of 50th anniversary of Thrilla in Manila,” Pacquiao said.

“It’s an honor and I’m happy na kahit na hindi pako pinapanganak no’ng time na ‘yon, ako ‘yong nagli-lead for this promotion,” he added.

Ali’s grandson, Nico Ali-Walsh, is also set to fight against Kittisak Klinson in the undercard alongside Filipino boxers Marlon Tapales, Albert Francisco, Carl Jammes Martin, and Roderick Ballesteros, among others.

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