GAB Chairman Welcomed WBC Officials Ahead of “Thriller in Manila 2: 50th Anniversary”

In the lead-up to one of the year’s most significant boxing events, key representatives from the World Boxing Council (WBC) paid a courtesy visit to the Games and Amusements Board (GAB) on 27 October 2025 in Makati City. The meeting took place just days before the highly anticipated “Thriller in Manila 2: 50th Anniversary” event was held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on 29 October 2025.

WBC International Secretary Aku Zhang, accompanied by senior WBC officials, was welcomed by GAB Chairman Atty. Francisco J. Rivera at the GAB Central Office. The delegation’s visit underscored the significance of the Philippines as host nation for the commemorative showcase, which marked the 50th anniversary of the famed 1975 heavyweight encounter between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier.

During the meeting, Chairman Rivera expressed his appreciation to the WBC for selecting the Philippines to host such a milestone event, reaffirming the country’s long-standing passion and respect for the sport.

“We thank you, gentlemen, for supporting Philippine boxing. By holding it here, we once again had a very big event—and boxing is big in the Philippines. This showed that the sport is very much alive in our country,” Chairman Rivera said.

The visit also served as an avenue for discussions on developments in officiating standards, regulatory cooperation, and athlete welfare. Both the GAB and the WBC emphasized their shared commitment to ensuring fairness, professionalism, and integrity across all levels of the sport.

As “Thrilla in Manila 2” approached, the GAB reaffirmed its dedication to safeguarding athlete welfare and promoting the continued global advancement of Philippine boxing. The event stood not only as a tribute to an iconic moment in sports history but also as a testament to the Philippines’ enduring legacy and influence in world boxing.