Another historical night has come to an end at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City, about an hour from Manila — a 50-year anniversary show commemorating the famous “Thrilla in Manila.”
Thailand’s Kittisak Klinson (10-2-1, 6 KOs), 30, stepped into the ring against the grandson of boxing’s most iconic figure, Muhammad Ali. Half a century earlier, Ali faced Joe Frazier in Manila for the heavyweight championship of the world.
This time, it was the turn of a Thai fighter from Surat Thani province to make his mark, taking on Nico Ali Walsh in one of the event’s co-main attractions. The main event featured a WBC world title clash between South Africa’s Siyakholwa Kuse and Filipino champion Melvin Jerusalem.
Kittisak, a former amateur standout from the Thai Army camp and a former WBA Asia 154lb champion, entered the bout as the underdog. On paper, the matchup seemed designed for Ali to steal the spotlight on this anniversary show — but Kittisak had other plans.
From the opening bell, the Thai pressed forward, forcing the taller American onto the ropes and digging heavy shots to the body. Ali, 25, found his rhythm midway through the fight, firing sharp jabs and combinations in return.
The crowd roared as both fighters began to showboat, trading punches and taunts in the centre of the ring — the energy inside Araneta Coliseum electric as cheers echoed through the venue.
Kittisak’s pressure and physicality dictated much of the early action, but midway through the fight, he shifted strategy, relying more on a quick jab and well-timed counterpunches. Ali answered with crisp combinations and uppercuts as momentum swung back and forth.
After eight competitive rounds, both men believed they had done enough. When the final bell rang, anticipation filled the arena. The scorecards were announced: Noel Haduca 76-76, Eddie Nobleza 76-76, and Virgilio Garcia 77-75 — in favour of Kittisak. The fight ended in a majority draw.
In front of a packed crowd celebrating one of boxing’s most historic nights, the Surat Thani native flipped the script — turning what was meant to be a showcase for Ali Walsh into a statement for boxing in Thailand.
Many fans at ringside approached Kittisak afterward, saying they felt he had done enough to win clearly. On a night honouring The Greatest, it was a Thai fighter who wrote his own small piece of Manila history.