Lossis Archives: Philippines

MANNY PACQUIAO PROMOTIONS PRESENTS “COUNTDOWN TO THRILLA IN MANILA” AND “THRILLA IN MANILA 50”

Two Historic Fight Cards Set for October 26 and October 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 timeManny Pacquiao Promotions (MPPproudly announces a monumental double-headerCountdown to Thrilla in Manila rauHnub xya, Oct. 26, tomSan Andres Coliseum, followed by the landmarkThrilla in Manila 50 event onHnub peb, Oct. 29, tomSmart 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 thiab Thrilla in Manila 50 serve as the last two tentpole events before MPP’s highly anticipated U.S. debut on Hnub vas xaum, November 29 tom 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.

A poster of a group of men

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EVENT 1 — COUNTDOWN TO THRILLA IN MANILA

October 26 | San Andres Coliseum, Malate, Manila

TusCountdown 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 KOs) defending against mandatory challengerChristian Balunan (12-0, 7 KOs).

In the co-main event, top-ten IBF contendersEsneth Domingo (22-3, 14 KOs) thiabMiel Fajardo (12-3-2, 11 KOs) collide for the vacantIBF Pan Pacific Flyweight Championship. Undefeated Hong Kong starRex Tso (23-0, 14 KOs) faces India’sSagar Chouhan(7-0-2, 3 KOs), 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 KOs) goes up againstJunibert Bantay (9-0, 1 KO) in a ten-round battle.

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

UndefeatedClaire Villarosa (4-0-1, 2 KOs) will run it back withJohn Rey Labajo (4-3-2, 4 KOs) 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 KOs), Noli James Maquilan (11-3, 8 KOs), thiabZyvyr Medecilo (6-0, 3 KOs) 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 of charge, 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 celebrationThrilla in Manila 50 will feature a stacked international lineup, replete with three WBC title fights, headlined by WBC Minimumweight World ChampionMelvin Jerusalem (24-3, 12 KOs), who defends his title against South Africa’sSiyakholwa Kuse (9-2-1, 4 KOs) in a 12-round affair.

“This is more than an event, it is a bridge between generations,” saidManny 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 Bronze MedalistEumir Felix Marcial (6-0, 4 KOs) takes on Venezuelan knockout artistEddy Colmenares (11-2-1, 11 KOs) 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 KOs) going toe-to-toe with fellow Filipino Berland Robles (12-0-1, 5 KOs) in a 10-round tilt.

Also appearing on the card:

Nico Ali Walsh (11-2, 5 KOs), grandson of Muhammad Ali, is returning to the Philippines to honor his grandfather’s legacy againstKittisak Klinson (10-2, 6 KOs) 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 KOs) takes on Thailand’sAran Dipaen (21-4, 18 KOs), while 33-year-old Filipino fan-favoriteMarlon Tapales (40-4, 21 KOs) takes on VenezuelanFernando Toro (11-2, 9 KOs). 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. BothCountdown to Thrilla in ManilathiabThrilla 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. Established in 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. Xav paub ntau ntxiv, sib ntsibwww.PacquiaoPromotions.com and follow @PacquiaoPromotions on social media.

Casimero Elects to Face Arroyo, Puts Pursuit of Ruenroeng Rematch on Hold

 

Promoter Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing says his fighter, former IBF and WBO Light Flyweight Champion JohnrielQuadro AlasCasimero, will not pursue an immediate rematch against IBF flyweight titleholder Amnat Ruenroeng, but will instead look for a more lucrative match against Puerto Rico’s McWilliams Arroyo.

 

Calling it thebusiness-wise career pathfor his 25-year-old fighter from Cebu City, Cebu, Philippines, Lewkowicz says the well-deserved rematch against Ruenroeng will have to be put on hold temporarily.

 

Casimero lost a highly questionable, foul-filled 12-round decision to Ruenroeng at the Hua Mark Indoor Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, on June 27. The bizarre fight included the champion being warned by referee Larry Doggett five times for wrestling Casimero to the canvas before being penalized. In an abysmal refereeing performance, Doggett also gave Ruenroeng credit for a non-knockdown push and ruled a legitimate knockdown against the champion a slip.

 

Despite the injustice done to my fighter last June, we are putting our pursuit of a Ruenroeng rematch on the back burner in favor of a better opportunity to face McWilliams Arroyo,” explained Lewkowicz. “We were offered another fight in Thailand to make up for the fiasco that occurred in the first fight, but what’s to stop it from happening a second time?”

 

Arroyo (also the victim of a questionable decision against Ruenroeng last year) and Casimero will instead face off at a soon-to-be-announced time and place later this year.

 

The winner of Casimero and Arroyo will then look to rematch Ruenroeng on neutral ground in the United States early next year,” continued Lewkowicz. “Sometimes putting your frustration and disappointment away for a better time make more sense for the fighter’s career and this is what we are choosing in this case. John Riel will get his justice eventually and he will get a huge opportunity to face Puerto Rico’s Arroyo. Out of a bad situation will come two of his biggest victories.
ABOUT SAMPSON BOXING

After a very successful run as a matchmaker and adviser, Sampson Lewkowicz switched over to the promotional side of professional boxing in January 2008.

Sampson Boxing has grown into one of the world’s most prestigious promotional firms, representing many of the world’s best fighters and most promising young contenders.

Sampson Boxing has promotional partners all over North and South America, Africa, Asia, New Zealand, Australia, Europe and Central America and Sampson Boxing events have been televised on such premiere networks as HBO, Showtime, ESPN, VS. and several international networks.

Fight Network Presents ONE Championship 26, Enfusion 28 & UFC 186 Coverage LIVE this Weekend

TORONTO | NEW YORK (Tim 22, 2015) — Tua Network, the world’s premier 24/7 television channel dedicated to complete coverage of combat sports, presents a blockbuster card from IB Championship live this Hnub vas Xuv, Tim 24 tom 7:30 a.m. LI, as emanates from SM MOA Arena in Manila, Philippines, headlined by polarizing welterweight champion Ben Askren facing one of his toughest tests to date against 71-fight veteranLuis “SapoSantos.

 

Airing live exclusively in Canada, IB Championship: Valor of Champions will also feature a co-main event bantamweight clash between Filipino standout Mark Striegl and undefeated American Casey Suire, plus Filipino flyweight prospect Eugene Toquero meets Indonesia’s Brianata Rosadhi. Rounding out the card, Canadian heavyweight powerhouse Paul Cheng battles Ukrainian Igor Subora, Thai flyweight Anatpong Bunrad throws down with Filipino sensation Geje Eustaquio, plus Jimmy Yabo tangles with Edward Kelly in a clash of Filipino featherweight contenders.

 

The full fight card for ONE Championship: Valor of Champions includes:

 

-Ben Askren (14-0) vs. Luis Santos (61-9-1) – ONE welterweight title
-Mark Striegl (13-1) vs. Casey Suire (5-0)
-Eugene Toquero (5-1) vs. Brianata Rosadhi (1-1)
-Paul Cheng (5-1) vs. Igor Subora (5-2)
-Anatpong Bunrad (4-1) vs. Geje Eustaquio (6-3)
-Jimmy Yabo (4-0) vs. Edward Kelly (5-2)
-Shannon Wiratchai (3-1) vs. Amir Khan (2-1)
-Tsu Notto (2-0) vs. Ya Wei Wang (1-1)

 

The live action continues on Hnub vas xaum, Tim 25 tom 3 p.m. LI, raws li Enfusion Live 28 invades the Ice Hockey Stadium in Zilina, Slovakia, featuring Slovakia’s Tomas Senkyr against Morocco’s Ibrahim El Boustati for the -85kg world title, plus Slovakia’s Vladimir Moravcik meets Frenchman Yohan Lidon in a five-round Muay Thai affair. The card also features a one-night, single-elimination -70kg tournament showcasing Milan Pales vs. Brahim Benameur thiab Tigran Movsisyan vs.Mohammed Jaraya in opening round matchups.

 

Fight Network’s live Enfusion broadcast at 3 p.m. LI will air on Cablevision’s Optimum TV, Grande Communications, Shentel Cable and Armstrong Cable in the U.S., nationwide in Canada, Roku devices across North America, and in Turkey on D-Smart.

 

Rau Hnub vas xaum, Tim 25, Fight Network will present its UFC 186 Pre-Show Live at7 p.m. LI, featuring previews, predictions and analysis ahead of UFC 186: Johnson vs. Horiguchi on pay-per-view. Immediately following the main card, Fight Network presents the UFC 186 Post-Show Live, which will include the live post-fight press conference from Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

 

In addition to all the live pre and post-fight coverage, Fight Network is the destination for UFC library content, specials and series, including UFC Unleashed, UFC Now thiab UFC Ultimate Insider. All airings are listed at tv.fightnetwork.com.

 

Post-fight coverage continues on Monday’s edition of 5 Rounds on Fight Network, which debuts at 7 p.m. LI and features a comprehensive breakdown of Hnub Saturday event.

 

For a full listing of Fight Network’s broadcast schedule, please visit tv.fightnetwork.com, follow us on Twitter @fightnet, become a fan on Facebook and visit us on Instagram @fightnet.