Thrilla in Manila: 50th Anniversary with a Major Card in the Philippines

On October 1, 2025, it will be fifty years since the historic bout known as the “Thrilla in Manila”—the epic third battle between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier, in the Philippine capital in 1975 and regarded as a combat of the ages.

To commemorate the date, Manila will host a major boxing card headlined by minimumweight world champion Melvin Jerusalem, who will make a voluntary title defense against South Africa’s Siyakholwa Kuse.

In addition, several important WBC international belts will be on the line:

1. Albert Francisco vs Ramel Macado Jr. – WBC International Flyweight Title
2. Eumir Marcial vs Ainiwaer Yilixiati – WBC International Middleweight Title
3. Arvin Magramo vs Berland Robles – WBC International Light Flyweight Title

The event not only pays tribute to one of the most memorable nights in global boxing, but also aims to showcase a new generation of Filipino and international fighters, reaffirming Manila’s legacy as a historic boxing cathedral under the WBC banner.