Former Senator and boxing legend Manny Pacquiao paid a courtesy visit to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. at Malacañan Palace on Thursday, August 28, following his recent comeback fight in Las Vegas.

The meeting centered on preparations for the 50th anniversary of the historic “Thrilla in Manila” bout between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier, held in 1975 at the Araneta Coliseum. Pacquiao sought the President’s support for the commemorative event, which is being promoted as “Thrilla in Manila Part 2” and is scheduled for October 29.

President Marcos expressed his full backing for the celebration and confirmed his attendance at the event, according to a report by RH 14 Leth Narciso.

During the meeting, Pacquiao presented the President with a World Boxing Council (WBC) championship belt and a pair of boxing gloves. In turn, Marcos shared a personal anecdote about witnessing Muhammad Ali train in the Philippines, recalling a memorable encounter with the legendary fighter.

The original “Thrilla in Manila” was a globally televised heavyweight title match, attended by then-President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. The bout ended with Ali defeating Frazier via technical knockout, cementing its place in boxing history.