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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Marcos honors new generation of boxing champs

Marcos honors new generation of boxing champs

Published Oct 30, 2025 02:50 pm
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos grace the Thrilla in Manila 2 on Oct. 29, 2025.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos grace the Thrilla in Manila 2 on Oct. 29, 2025.
President Marcos, who joined boxing fans to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the legendary “Thrilla in Manila," has honored the new generation of Filipino boxing champions.
"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," Marcos said on Facebook on Thursday, Oct. 30.
"Tonight, we honor that legacy by celebrating a new generation of champions who continue to bring pride to our nation," he added.
Marcos and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos graced the Thrilla in Manila 50th anniversary on Wednesday night, Oct. 29.
Dubbed “Thrilla in Manila 2,” the commemorative boxing competition paid tribute to the historic heavyweight match between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier that was held on Oct. 1, 1975 at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
The President witnessed the fight between Nico Ali Walsh, grandson of boxing legend Muhammad Ali, and Thai boxer Kittisak Klinson in a middleweight clash. The match resulted in a draw.
The Thrilla in Manila 2 also featured top Filipino boxers pitted against foreign fighters.
They include World Boxing Council (WBC) Strawweight World Champion Melvin Jerusalem in the main event; Eumir Marcial in the WBC International Middleweight Championship bout; and Carl Jammes Martin and Marlon Tapales in the Junior Featherweight matches.
Aside from celebrating the iconic 1975 Ali-Frazier heavyweight championship boxing match, Thrilla in Manila 2 highlighted the Philippines’ rich sporting heritage and promoted Filipino talent in the global boxing community.
In his statement, Marcos also commended former senator Manny Pacquiao, CEO of MP Promotions that organized the event.
"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," Marcos said.
Last September, Malacañang issued Memorandum Circular No. 99, directing all agencies and instrumentalities to support the celebration of the golden anniversary of the boxing classic.
The 1975 Thrilla in Manila was personally attended by then president Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr. and the First Family.

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