(UPDATE) WORLD Boxing Council (WBC) strawweight champion Melvin Jerusalem and a bevy of top Filipino fighters could not help but rave about eight-division legend Manny Pacquiao’s move to stage the 50th anniversary of the Thrilla in Manila.
“The moment I learned about Senator Manny Pacquiao’s wish to celebrate the Thrilla and have me as its main event, I felt overjoyed,” said Jerusalem, who makes the third defense of the WBC 105-pound crown against South African Siyakholwa Kuse on Wednesday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
“I am so excited to be a part of this landmark moment in Philippine sports,” Jerusalem said.
Eumir Marcial (right) observes Manny Pacquiao’s training. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Like Jerusalem, Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist and unbeaten pro Eumir Marcial swears that his inclusion in the slambang show being put up by Pacquiao’s Blow-By-Blow team is a dream come true.
Get the latest news
delivered to your inbox
Sign up for The Manila Times newsletters
By signing up with an email address, I acknowledge that I have read and agree to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
“I have always wanted to be associated with my longtime idol Manny Pacquiao and getting the opportunity to fight under his promotional banner is something I am very proud of,” said Marcial, who clashes with Venezuelan knockout artist Eddy Colmenares in a middleweight special attraction.
Jerusalem is fighting for the second time under Blow-By-Blow and he remains thrilled to be showcasing his ring savvy anew before a worldwide audience.
Also expressing their 100 percent support behind the Thrilla are top super-bantams Carl Jammes Martin and Marlon Tapales, also scheduled to appear in the undercard against separate foreign foes.
Pacquiao is leading the celebration of the Thrilla’s golden anniversary as a homage to the epic 14-round war between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier on Oct. 1, 1975.
“Until now, half a century later, when you ask fight fans about the Thrilla in Manila, their eyes light up and they tell you about the action and the drama of that momentous event,” Pacquiao said.
“I believe that 50 years from now, the Thrilla would still be up there among the greatest and most unforgettable moments in sports history.”