The Ali name returns to the global boxing spotlight as Nico Ali Walsh, grandson of the legendary Muhammad Ali, takes center stage on a historic card commemorating one of his grandfather’s most iconic battles.
Titled “Thrilla in Manila: 50th Anniversary”, the event, presented by Manny Pacquiao Promotions, is set for October 29, 2025, honoring the unforgettable clash between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier that defined an era.
Ali’s grandson on the Thrilla in Manila 50 card
For Nico Ali Walsh, stepping onto a card named after his grandfather’s most famous fight is more than symbolism—it’s personal. The young light-heavyweight is carrying the weight of a legacy, but also the promise of the future, as he aims to prove that the Ali name remains synonymous with skill, heart, and global boxing prominence.
The Manila card isn’t just about family legacy. It features an impressive slate of fights across multiple weight classes, headlined by championship bouts.
WBC Minimumweight World Champion Melvin Jerusalem defends his title against Siyakholwa Kuse, promising a high-stakes opener.
Middleweight fans will turn their attention to Eumir Felix Marcial as he battles Eddy Colmenares for the WBC International Middleweight Championship.
Meanwhile, Marlon Tapales faces Nadir Baloch in a fight poised to deliver fireworks for fans of the lower weights.
The card also features rising talent Carl Jammes Martin taking on Aran Dipaen, providing Filipino boxing enthusiasts with a showcase of local stars poised to make their mark on the international scene.
A Legacy Fight Remembered
With Manny Pacquiao Promotions behind the event, the “Thrilla in Manila: 50th Anniversary” card represents both a celebration of boxing history and a platform for the next generation of fighters.
Ali Walsh’s appearance bridges the past and present, reminding fans that the Ali name carries both honor and expectation, while providing the young prospect with a global stage to showcase his own skill.
Full Card – Thrilla in Manila: 50th Anniversary
(October 29, 2025)
Melvin Jerusalem vs. Siyakholwa Kuse | WBC Minimumweight World Championship
Eumir Felix Marcial vs. Eddy Colmenares | WBC International Middleweight Championship
Marlon Tapales vs. Nadir Baloch
Nico Ali Walsh vs. [Opponent TBC]
Carl Jammes Martin vs. Aran Dipaen
Boxing fans around the world will be watching closely, as this event not only celebrates a historic milestone in the sport but also showcases an eclectic mix of fighters determined to etch their own legacies in the shadow of legends.
About the Author
Phil Jay is a veteran boxing journalist with over 15 years of experience covering the global fight scene. As Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News since 2010, Jay has interviewed dozens of world champions and reported ringside on boxing’s biggest nights. [View all articles by Phil Jay] and learn more about his work in combat sports journalism.