Eight-division boxing champion Manny Pacquiao paid a courtesy call to President Bongbong Marcos, securing the chief executive's support for "Thrilla in Manila"'s 50th anniversary.
Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao sought President Bongbong Marcos’ support for the 50th celebration of the “Thrilla in Manila.”
Pacquiao got just that when he paid a courtesy call to the president in Malacañan Palace Thursday, August 28.
“So we asked his support at sa lahat ng ahensya ng gobyerno para i-celebrate itong 50th anniversary ng ‘Thrilla in Manila’,” Pacquiao said.
“All out support naman siya. Maraming salamat… Manonood siya. Interesado siya sa concept na 'yun.”
The "Thrilla in Manila" event saw the legendary Muhammad Ali prevail over Joe Frazier at the Araneta Coliseum on October 1, 1975.
It was the final match in the boxing trilogy, which ended in Ali's favor when the fight was stopped after the 14th round.
There would be a week-long celebration to commemorate the fight and aims to promote Filipino boxing, according to the Presidential Communications Office.
“'Pag ganito, meron tayong cards na world championship na gaganapin sa October 29, bilang alalaala sa selebrasyon ng laban ni Muhammad Ali at Frazier,” he said.
It turned out, Marcos personally met with Ali before the fight, the culmination of a trilogy which happened during the incumbent president’s father’s reign.
“(Nakuwento niya) 'yung experience niya [with] Muhammad Ali. Nanood siya training ni Muhammad Ali. Pinaakyat siya sa ring, sa stage, dinemo sa kanya mga punches na gagawin ni Muhammad Ali, 'yung bilis ni Muhammad Ali. Natuwa siya at 'di niya makalimutan,” Pacquiao recounted.
During the Palace visit, Pacquiao also presented the presented with his WBC belt and signed gloves.
Philippine Sports Comission chairman Pato Gregorio also joined the courtesy call to promote the Batang Pinoy competition, which will be hosted by Pacquiao's hometown of General Santos City from October 25 to 31.
(With reports from Maricel Halili, News5)