Philstar
History made twice over
President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos attended the 50th anniversary celebration of the "Thrilla in Manila" at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Boxing icon Manny Pacquiao organized the event, which featured his fighter Nico Ali surprise fighting to an eight-round draw against Kittisak Klinson.
The event also included 11 other fights, with Melvin Jerusalem retaining his WBC minimumweight crown and Eumir Marcial winning against Eddy Colmenares.
Pacquiao brought families of Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier to commemorate the original 1975 fight, which was attended by then-President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. and First Lady Imelda Marcos.
Promoters Sean Gibbons, Marife Barrera, and Liza Elorde were also instrumental in organizing the celebration.
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WBC strawweight champion Melvin Jerusalem and Olympic medalist Eumir Marcial expressed excitement for Manny Pacquiao's 'Thrilla 2' event, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Thrilla in Manila.
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Nico Ali Walsh, grandson of boxing legend Muhammad Ali, fought to a majority draw against Thai opponent Kittisak Klinson in an eight-round exhibition match at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
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Filipino boxer Melvin Jerusalem is set to defend his WBC minimumweight title against South African challenger Siyakholwa Kuse in "Thrilla in Manila 2", an event commemorating the 50th anniversary of the iconic Muhammad Ali vs. Joe Frazier fight.
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