Manny Pacquiao Secures Malacañang Nod for ‘Thrilla in Manila 2’

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by Raymund Tamayo

President Bongbong Marcos Jr. (center) is fully supportive of the 50th Anniversary celebration of the "Thrilla in Manila" this coming October, as presented by Manny Pacquiao.
President Bongbong Marcos Jr. (center) is fully supportive of the 50th Anniversary celebration of the "Thrilla in Manila" this coming October, as presented by Manny Pacquiao. Photo: Viva Promotions.

Half a century after Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier turned Manila into the center of the boxing world, the Philippines is set to relive history.

On October 29, the iconic Smart Araneta Coliseum will once again host a mega fight card—this time under the banner of “Thrilla in Manila 2.” And at the heart of making it happen? None other than boxing legend Manny Pacquiao himself.

Pacquiao personally brought the proposal to President Bongbong Marcos during a courtesy visit at Malacañang. The 46-year-old ring icon presented the plan as a grand celebration of the 50th anniversary of Ali-Frazier III, regarded as one of the most unforgettable clashes in sports history.

“We asked for the President’s support, as well as the full backing of government agencies, so we can properly celebrate this milestone,” Pacquiao told reporters after the meeting.

The President not only gave his full blessing but also promised to be there in person on fight night. Slated to headline the event is reigning WBC mini-flyweight champion Melvin Jerusalem, who will put his title on the line in front of a home crowd.

MP Promotions president Sean Gibbons, who joined Pacquiao in the meeting, described the moment as “amazing,” highlighting the half-hour discussion that also involved Philippine Sports Commission chairman Patrick Gregorio.

The visit turned nostalgic when Marcos recalled his personal memory of Ali back in 1975. As a young man, he witnessed Ali training at the Folk Arts Theater and even had the surreal experience of shadow boxing with “The Greatest.” Marcos admitted with a laugh that he felt nervous standing in front of Ali’s lightning jab.

To cap off the meeting, Pacquiao gifted the President with a WBC belt and signed gloves—symbols of both his legendary career and his ongoing commitment to Philippine sports.

Pacquiao (left) gifted PBBM with a WBC belt and signed gloves after the half-hour meeting.
Pacquiao (left) gifted PBBM with a WBC belt and signed gloves after the half-hour meeting. Photo: PCO.

The timing couldn’t be more fitting. Pacquiao recently returned to the ring after four years of retirement, battling WBC welterweight champ Mario Barrios to a majority draw last July. His comeback, paired with his push to restore the country’s sporting pride, sends a powerful message: Philippine boxing is ready for another golden era.

This October, the eyes of the boxing world will once again turn to Manila. History repeats—and Pacquiao is making sure the next chapter is just as unforgettable.