Get ready for fireworks, nostalgia, and a whole lot of boxing magic — because the Philippines is about to relive one of the greatest fights in sports history.

A Legendary Legacy Returns to the Ring

Nearly five decades ago, on an unforgettable October day in 1975, boxing titans Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier clashed in the sweltering heat of the Smart Araneta Coliseum in what became known to the world as the “Thrilla in Manila.” It was more than just a boxing match — it was a battle of willpower, grit, and pure heart.

Fast-forward to today, and Manny Pacquiao — the only eight-division world champion in history — is taking the reins to commemorate the 50th anniversary of that legendary fight. And he’s not pulling any punches.

What’s Cookin’? A Week-long Boxing Bash!

Pacquiao’s vision for this golden milestone isn’t just a nod to history — it’s an all-out celebration of Filipino pride in the global fight scene.

Fists Will Fly at the Iconic Araneta

The main event? A jaw-dropping boxing card at the same iconic venue where Ali and Frazier once waged war. The 2024 throwback takes place under the banner of “Blow By Blow,” the very TV program that discovered a young Pacquiao in 1995 and was revived in 2022.

This time, the spotlight turns to a new generation of Filipino warriors. Expect at least two world title bouts, with top homegrown talents like WBC minimumweight champ Melvin Jerusalem and IBF minimumweight king Pedro Taduran being eyed for center stage. Rising stars such as Mark Magsayo, Marlon Tapales, and Carl Jammes Martin may also glove up for glory.

“We’re still putting the pieces together,” shares Liza Elorde, one of the event’s main organizers, “but this will be something special.”

And here’s a potential crowd-pleaser—Pacquiao’s own son, Jimuel, might lace up his gloves as part of the undercard. Picture this: Ali’s grandson Nico Walsh in one corner, and Pacquiao’s son in another. Talk about generational greatness!

“He’s training hard at Wild Card in L.A.,” says MP Promotions head Sean Gibbons. “If he turns pro here, on the same show celebrating where it all began — that’d be history repeating itself, in the best possible way.”

More Than Just a Fight Night

Kicking things off on October 1—the exact date of the original “Thrilla”—will be a black-tie gala dinner at the luxurious Okada Manila Hotel and Resort. Expect elegance, reflection, and a whole lot of storytelling from those who were ringside back in ’75.

Legends in Attendance

If nostalgia had a VIP list, this would be it.

Among the expected guests lighting up the celebration are boxing royalty: “Thrilla” co-promoters Bob Arum and Don King, WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman, former heavyweight champion Larry Holmes, and iconic referee Carlos Padilla — now 90, but still sharp and full of memories.

Perhaps the most touching story comes from Gene Kilroy, Muhammad Ali’s trusted friend and a man who’s lived and breathed boxing for decades. According to boxing historian Eric Schmidt, Kilroy handed a young local boy $100 to deliver a bucket of ice to cool Ali between rounds—an iconic story that adds a human heartbeat to the legend.

Now 84, Kilroy says he wouldn’t miss this anniversary for the world. “I was Ali’s pallbearer,” he told Schmidt, “and I’ll be there in Manila again to honor him.”

Why the “Thrilla” Still Matters Today

In a world where sports come and go at the speed of a TikTok trend, some moments refuse to fade — the “Thrilla in Manila” is one of them.

It was more than just a fight. It was a mirror of humanity’s resilience, wrapped in gloves and dripping with sweat under the tropical sun. And now, 50 years later, Pacquiao wants to make sure the world remembers — not just as a fan, but as someone who carved his own legendary place in the ring.

So whether you’re a die-hard boxing junkie, a sports historian, or just someone who loves a good underdog story — mark your calendars. October in Manila is about to be a knockout.

A Punch Packed With Pride

This celebration isn’t just for boxing fans. It’s for every Filipino who watched history unfold in ’75 and for every kid out there dreaming of greatness. It’s about legacy, courage, and the unbreakable spirit of a nation that still believes in heroes.

And thanks to Manny, the next chapter in this legendary tale is about to be written — with gloves, grit, and golden memories.

🏆 Stay tuned. This is one fight week you won’t want to miss.