Manny Pacquiao presents his WBC belt to the president of the Philippines as part of the preparations for the 50th anniversary of the historic fight between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier.

Pacquiao visits with a symbolic gift

Legendary Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao made a courtesy visit to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at Malacañang Palace. The meeting took place on Thursday, August 28, a few days after Pacquiao's return to the ring in Las Vegas.

During the meeting, he surprised the president by presenting him with a World Boxing Council (WBC) belt and a pair of autographed gloves, a symbolic gesture that connected the greatness of his own career with the historical legacy of boxing in the Philippines.

Preparations for “Thrilla in Manila Part 2”

The visit focused on preparations for the 50th anniversary commemoration of the legendary “Thrilla in Manila,” the third and final fight between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier, held at the Araneta Coliseum in 1975. The event, considered one of the most iconic fights in boxing history, will be honored on October 29 in Manila with activities and sports exhibitions.

Pacquiao requested government support for the event, assuring that he seeks not only to pay tribute to Ali and Frazier, but also to show that the Philippines remains a platform capable of hosting world-class events.

Muhammad Ali remembered in the Philippines

During the meeting, Marcos shared a personal anecdote about witnessing Muhammad Ali train in the Philippines in the 1970s, recalling the charisma and power of the legendary champion. The president even joked around by performing some Ali-style shadow boxing moves, evoking his family's closeness to that historic chapter.

Pacquiao highlighted the importance of presidential support, assuring that the event will be “a celebration of Filipino pride and the legacy of boxing.” The president confirmed his attendance at the commemoration, which has been dubbed “Thrilla in Manila Part 2.”