By: Waylon Galvez
Back in 1975, fight fans around the world witnessed one of the greatest bouts in boxing history as legends Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier clashed in the memorable third fight, the “Thrilla in Manila,” at the Araneta Coliseum.
Fifty years later, the Philippines celebrates that iconic “Ali-Frazier III” showdown — but with a new kind of excitement.
Filipino fighters will face foreign challengers in the “Thrilla in Manila II” on Wednesday, Oct. 29, at the Big Dome.
Leading the charge is reigning WBC minimumweight champion Melvin Jerusalem, who aims to showcase his skills in front of the home crowd against South African challenger Siyakhol Kuse.
Jerusalem, 31, carries a record of 24 wins and three losses, while Kuse has a 9-2-1 card.
“Malaking karangalan po ‘to para sa akin kasi history po ‘to, anniversary ng Thrilla in Manila,” said Jerusalem during a press conference on Tuesday, Oct. 28, at the Quantum Sky of Gateway Mall 2 in Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City.
“Isa ‘to sa pinakamalaking laban ko bilang isang boksingero,” added Jerusalem, a native of Bukidnon who defended his title with a unanimous decision over Yudai Shigeoka last March.
That same month, Kuse defeated Filipino Samuel Salva in South Africa to earn a shot against Jerusalem.
“This would be big for my country. I’ll do my best to put up a great fight,” said Kuse.
Also on the card, Eumir Marcial (6-0-0) will make his first title attempt against Venezuelan Eddy Colmenares (11-2-1) for the vacant WBC International middleweight belt.
“War talaga, tingin ko bagsakan talaga ‘to bukas, ‘yon ang sabi nya giyera, kaya ibibigay ko sa kanya ‘yon,” said Marcial.
Other Filipino fighters seeking glory include Marlon Tapales (40-4-0) versus Venezuelan Fernando Toro (11-2-0), and Carl Jammes Martin (26-0-0) against Thailand’s Aran Dipaen (21-4-0).
The undercard will also feature the country’s young talents, including Eman Bacosa (6-0-1) — son of eighth-division boxing legend Manny Pacquiao — who will face fellow Filipino Nico Salado (2-1-1).
Family members of Ali and Frazier were invited to the event, including Ali’s grandson Nico Ali Walsh (11-2-0), who will fight Thai Kittisak Klinson (10-2-0) in the Manny Pacquiao Promotions-organized card.
“It’s a great opportunity for me to honor him (Ali) with a fight, so expect nothing but spectacular performance from me,” said Walsh.
