Thrilla in Manila is the undisputed greatest spectacle in professional boxing history.
Up to this day, renowned sporting publications like Sports Illustrated, BBC, ESPN, among others, have ranked the third and final bout between the late-great Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier as the greatest boxing match of all time.
In honor of this bout that occurred on October 1, 1975, the Araneta clan, headed by Amado Araneta, built the first air-conditioned, multi-level retailing complex in the country, constructed at the very heart of their Cubao complex. Moreover, the mall was named the “Ali Mall” in tribute to Muhammad Ali’s near-death fight against Joe Frazier.
Ali himself graced the opening of the structure back in 1976, on June 30 to be exact.
Photo from the Urban Roamer
Almost seven years ago, the Ali Mall underwent a major overhaul to keep up with the times. The Aranetas did not forget to honor the namesake of the structure, as murals of the greatest heavyweight of all time can be seen on the walls of the mall.
Photo from the Urban Roamer
With the untimely passing of Ali Saturday morning, the Aranetas, through the Araneta Coliseum Facebook page, extended their condolences to the Ali family.
“Rest in Peace Muhammad Ali. Thank you for Thrilla in Manila. Thank you for Ali Mall. It was an Honor and will always be.”
The legend may have passed, but the legacy of Ali and the Thrilla in Manila will forever live on at the very heart of Quezon City.
Cover Photo: “I Ain’t Going to Die Easy… What’s my Name? What’s my Name?” By: Aileen Grace Lanuza
Photo by: Hub Pacheco
