Pinoy boxing fans are set for a blockbuster spectacle as Viva Promotions on Friday unveiled a stacked lineup for the 50th Thrilla in Manila Anniversary fight night, headlined by world champions and rising stars, on October 29 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The event commemorates the golden anniversary of the legendary 1975 heavyweight clash between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier, widely regarded as one of the greatest fights in boxing history.
“50th Thrilla in Manila Anniversary is stacked from top to bottom! See you there, Filipino boxing fans! Viva MP Promotions! Viva Knuckleheads Boxing! 🇵🇭👊🥊,” the promoters posted on Facebook.
Topping the card is Filipino world champion Melvin Jerusalem, who will defend his WBC strawweight title against South Africa’s Siyakholwa Kuse.
Joining him is Tokyo Olympic bronze medalist Eumir Marcial (6-0, 4 KOs), who will face Venezuelan knockout artist Eddy Colmenares (11-2, 11 KOs) for the vacant WBC International Middleweight Championship—his toughest professional test to date.
Also featured is Carl Jammes “Wonder Boy” Martin, the WBO’s No. 1 super bantamweight contender, who takes on Thailand’s Aran Dipaen for the WBO International super bantamweight title.
Rising Filipino talents Arvin Magramo and Weljon Mindoro are also set to fight, while Nico Ali Walsh, grandson of Muhammad Ali, will step into the same venue where his grandfather cemented his boxing legacy.
The commemoration is spearheaded by boxing icon Manny Pacquiao, who earlier sought President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s support during a Malacañang visit, presenting him with autographed gloves, his WBC welterweight championship belt, and the official anniversary program.
With its mix of world champions, prospects, and symbolic tributes, the Thrilla in Manila 50th Anniversary promises to once again put the Philippines on center stage in the boxing world.
