Jerusalem, Marcial saludo kay Pacquiao

MANILA, Philippines —  Saludo ang mga Pinoy boxers sa pagbuhay ni eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao sa 50th anniversary ng makasaysayang Thrilla in Manila na gaganapin sa Smart Araneta Coliseum bukas  (Miyerkules).

Isa na rito si World Bo­xing Council (WBC) strawweight champion Melvin Jerusalem na pinuri ang naging aksyon ni Pacquiao.

“The moment I learned about Senator Manny Pacquiao’s wish to celebrate the Thrilla and have me as it’s main event, I felt overjoyed,” ani Jerusalem.

Dedepensahan ni Jerusalem ang kanyang WBC 105-pound crown laban kay South African Siyakholwa Kuse sa naturang Thrilla in Manila 2.

“I am so excited to be a part of this landmark moment in Philippine sports,” dagdag ni Jerusalem.

Ito ang ikalawang beses na lalaban si Jerusalem sa ilalim ng Blow-By-Blow.

Ganito rin ang sinabi ni Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist at unbeaten pro boxer Eumir Marcial kung saan masaya ito na mapasama sa Blow-By-Blow team ni Pacquiao.

“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,” ani Marcial.

Makakalaban ni Marcial sa naturang event si Venezuelan knockout artist Eddy Colmenares sa middleweight special attraction.

Suportado rin ang Thrilla in Manila 2 nina top super-bantams Carl Jammes Martin at Marlon Tapales na kasama rin sa undercard kontra sa magkaibang foreign boxers.

Pangungunahan ni Pacquiao ang selebrasyon ng golden anniversary ng Thrilla in Manila na isang 14-round war sa pagitan nina Muhammad Ali at Joe Frazier na ginanap noong Oktubre 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,” ani Pacquiao.

“I believe that 50 years from now, the Thrilla would still be up there among the greatest and most unforgettable moments in sports history,” dagdag ni Pacquiao.