By MARK REY MONTEJO
Times have changed a lot, but the noise and storylines created by the two legendary boxers during their “Thrilla in Manila” slugfest are still heard and remembered these days.
Boxing fans try to rekindle all those that happened in what touted as one of the greatest fights in boxing history when Manny Pacquiao – himself considered as one of greatest boxers of his era – pays homage to the fabled event right the very same Cubao venue – now called the Araneta Coliseum.
Melvin Jerusalem banners a strong cast of Filipino fighters who will try their very best to put justice to the event as they seek glory against their respective rivals this Wednesday, Oct. 29.
The 31-year-old Jerusalem (24-3-0) stakes his WBC minimumweight strap against South African challenger Siyakhol Kuse (9-2-1), who is hoping to break his country’s drought of world titles.
“Malaking karangalan po ‘to para sa akin kasi history po ‘to, anniversary ‘to ng Thrilla in Manila, I’m more excited than pressure, kasi maraming manood na mga kababayan natin,” said Jerusalem during event’s press conference Tuesday, Oct. 28.
“Isa ‘to sa pinakamalaking laban ko bilang isang boksingero,” he added.
The pride of Bukidnon was came from a triumphant campaign in Japan last May where he defended his crown against hometown bet Yudai Shigeoka via unanimous decision last March, while Kuse prevailed in a similar fashion over Filipino Samuel Salva.
“This would be big for my country, I’ll do my best to put up a great fight,” said Kuse.
Aside from Jerusalem, Eumir Marcial (6-0-0) also tries to dazzle his supporters in his first pro fight in the country against Venezuelan Eddy Colmenares (11-2-1) for the vacant WBC International middleweight belt.
“War talaga ‘to, tingin ko bagsakan talaga ‘to bukas, ‘yon ang sabi nya giyera, kaya ibibigay ko sa kanya ‘yon,” said Marcial, who also expressed his desire of continuing his duty for the Nationals in the international meets.
Also out to share the spotlight are Marlon Tapales (40-4-0), who will go up against Venezuela’s Fernando Toro (11-2-0), and Carl Jammes Martin (26-0-0), who locks horns with Thai Aran Dipaen (21-4-0).
Headlining the rising stars is Eman Bacosa (6-0-1), son of boxing icon Manny Pacquiao, who battles Nico Salado (2-1-1).
The celebration wouldn’t be completed without the family members of Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier and other notable boxers as well part of the notable spectacle 50 years ago.
Nico Ali Walsh (11-2-0), Ali’s grandson. squares off with Thai Kittisak Klinson (10-2-0) in the Manny Pacquiao Promotions-slugfest that also included foreign and local pugilists.
“It’s a great opportunity for me to honor him with a fight, so expect nothing but spectacular performance from me,” said Walsh.
