Two Historic Fight Cards Set for October 26 ko Oketopa 29 in Manila to Celebrate the

50th Anniversary of Muhammad Ali vs. Joe Frazier

MANILA, Philippines— In celebration of one of boxing’s most iconic fights of all time, Manny Pacquiao Promotions (MPP) proudly announces a monumental double-header: Countdown to Thrilla in Manila i runga iRātapu, Oketopa. 26, iSan Andres Coliseum, followed by the landmarkThrilla i roto i te Manila 50 kaupapa i runga iWednesday, Oketopa. 29, iSmart Araneta Coliseum.

A historical extravaganza across two action-packed nights of boxing, legendary boxer-turned-promoter Manny Pacquiao, with the help of MPP President Sean Gibbons, Chief Financial Officer and Vice President Tony Cohen, and Lead Matchmaker Brendan Gibbons, have architected a monumental spectacle for the passionate Filipino fans. Countdown to Thrilla in Manila a Thrilla i roto i te Manila 50 serve as the last two tentpole events before MPP’s highly anticipated U.S. waiata i runga i Rāhoroi, Whiringa 29 i Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, Calif.

Both shows will honor the 50th anniversary of Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier’s epic 1975 heavyweight showdown, one of the most legendary bouts in sports history, while showcasing the Philippines’ finest
fighters and rising international talent.

EVENT 1 — COUNTDOWN TO THRILLA IN MANILA

October 26 | San Andres Coliseum, Malate, Manila

TeCountdown to Thrilla in Manila card kicks off the week’s festivities with three IBF titles up for grabs, headlined by reigning IBF Minimumweight World ChampionPedro Taduran (18-4-1, 13 Koó) defending against mandatory challengerChristian Balunan (12-0, 7 Koó).

I roto i te hui tahi-matua, top-ten IBF contendersEsneth Domingo (22-3, 14 Koó) aMiel Fajardo (12-3-2, 11 Koó) collide for the vacantIBF Pan Pacific Flyweight Championship. Undefeated Hong Kong starRex Tso (23-0, 14 Koó) faces India’sSagar Chouhan(7-0-2, 3 Koó), the reigning UBO Champion, for the vacant IBF Pan Pacific Bantamweight Title.

Several additional fights will be on display for fans in attendance, highlighted by a pair of unbeaten Filipino featherweights asLienard “The Matrix” Sarcon (13-0, 5 Koó) haere ake kiJunibert Bantay (9-0, 1 KO) in a ten-round battle.

Gretel De Paz(7-7-3, 2 Koó) will go eight rounds or less withCharimae Salvador (5-9, 2 Koó) for the vacant Philippine Women’s Bantamweight Title.

TūturuClaire Villarosa (4-0-1, 2 Koó) will run it back withJohn Rey Labajo (4-3-2, 4 Koó) for the vacant Philippine Youth Super Flyweight Title in an eight-round affair after their first bout this past August ended in a majority draw.

Promising Filipino prospectsArvin Jhon Paciones (11-0, 6 Koó), Noli James Maquilan (11-3, 8 Koó), aZyvyr Medecilo (6-0, 3 Koó) round out the undercard.

“Manny Pacquiao Promotions is bringing thisCountdown to Thrilla in Manila card to the Philippines to give local fans a world-class event at home while celebrating the legacy of the original Thrilla, which made boxing fans out of so many people around the world,” said MPP PresidentSean Gibbons. “We’re thrilled to be highlighting these incredible athletes, free o tiaki, in what is the perfect prelude to an unforgettable anniversary night at Araneta.”

EVENT 2 — THRILLA IN MANILA 50

October 29 | Smart Araneta Coliseum, Manila

Capping the celebration, Thrilla i roto i te Manila 50 will feature a stacked international lineup, replete with three WBC title fights, headlined by WBC Minimumweight World ChampionMelvin Jerusalem (24-3, 12 Koó), who defends his title against South Africa’sSiyakholwa Kuse (9-2-1, 4 Koó) in a 12-round affair.

“This is more than an event, it is a bridge between generations,"Ka meaManny Pacquiao of MPP. “Fifty years after Ali and Frazier made history, we return to Manila to honor their greatness and to show the world that the spirit of boxing in the Philippines is stronger than ever.”

2020 Olympic mātāmuriEumir Felix Marcial (6-0, 4 Koó) takes on Venezuelan knockout artistEddy Colmenares (11-2-1, 11 Koó) in a 10-round co-main event for the vacant WBC International Middleweight Title.

A third title fight features WBC International Light Flyweight ChampionArvin “Hurricane” Magramo (19-2-1, 11 Koó) going toe-to-toe with fellow Filipino Berland Robles (12-0-1, 5 Koó) in a 10-round tilt.

Also appearing on the card:

Nico Ali Walsh (11-2, 5 Koó), grandson of Muhammad Ali, is returning to the Philippines to honor his grandfather’s legacy againstKittisak Klinson (10-2, 6 Koó) in an eight-round middleweight bout. In his third outing of 2025, Ali Walsh is poised for a career-defining performance that promises to become a landmark moment in his burgeoning career.

A pair of Filipino Super Bantamweights will look to put on a show for their countrymen as 26-year-old FilipinoCarl “Wonder Boy” Martin(26-0, 20 Koó) takes on Thailand’sAran Dipaen (21-4, 18 Koó), while 33-year-old Filipino fan-favoriteMarlon Tapales (40-4, 21 Koó) takes on VenezuelanFernando Toro (11-2, 9 Koó). Both Super Bantamweight contests are scheduled for ten rounds.

“Spearheading this event has been a tremendous honor,” said Lead MatchmakerBrendan Gibbons. “The Philippines stand as one of the boxing capitals of the world. E ruaCountdown to Thrilla in ManilaaThrilla in Manila 50will see electric matchups featuring budding Filipino stars asMPP proudly recognizes the 50th anniversary of the Thrilla in Manila.”

ABOUT MANNY PACQUIAO PROMOTIONS
Manny Pacquiao Promotions (MPP) is the global boxing promotion company founded by international icon and Hall of Famer Manny “Pac-Man” Pacquiao, the only boxer in history to win world titles in eight weight divisions. Whakapumautia i roto i te 2025, MPP is dedicated to building the next generation of champions by delivering world-class events, competitive matchups, and an elite platform for rising stars and established fighters alike. With a leadership team led by President Sean Gibbons, Chief Financial Officer Tony Cohen, and Lead Matchmaker Brendan Gibbons, MPP is redefining the standard of fight promotion in the United States and worldwide. Mō ētahi atu pārongo, torongawww.PacquiaoPromotions.com and follow @PacquiaoPromotions on social media.