Icon Manny Pacquiao announced the upcoming revival of Thrilla in Manila for its 50th celebration anniversary with full blockbuster fight cards featuring world champion Melvin Jerusalem, Eumir Felix Marcial and Marlon Tapales on October 29 at the Araneta Coliseum.
Although the original Thrilla in Manila between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier on October 1, 1975, at same venue is far different with this one, the hall of famer Pacquiao assured that the fights including Jerusalem’s world title fight are going to be competitive and exciting.
‘I feel blessed to bring to life the 50th celebration of Thrilla in Manila. This is a world championship and a celebration. This is a tremendous help to our boxers that they get to fight in international promotions like this,’ Pacquiao said in a latest news conference.
Jerusalem will be defending his World Boxing Council (WBC) minimum weight title against South Africa’s Ayanda Kuse while Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist Marcial battles undefeated American Eddy Colmenares in a non-title middleweight bout.
Former unified champion Marlon Tapales meets Pakistani Nadil Baloch in an eight-round super bantamweight non-title bout, and super bantamweight Carl Jammes Martin squares off against Thailand’s Aran Dipaen.
Nico Ali Walsh, the grandson of Muhammad Ali, will be fighting also in the card against Thailand’s Patumpong Saengarun in a middleweight non-title bout.
Pacquiao also announced that the relatives of Ali and Frazier will be among the guests in the event including former world champions.