Latest Posts

deped 1

DepEd reports swift progress in school repairs in Masbate after Typhoon Opong

Screen Shot 2025-10-19 at 9.04.11 PM

Celebrate Diwali, Festival of Lights at Prana Indian Cuisine in Araneta City

Screen Shot 2025-10-23 at 6.29.26 PM

6 places to have the ultimate celebration of Oktoberfest in Araneta City

50TH Anniversary: THRILLA IN MANILA

Screen Shot 2025-10-01 at 10.00.18 PM

SHARE

As the venue of this global milestone, Araneta City proudly joins the nationwide commemoration of the legendary fight of the century by honoring its legacy through live boxing world title fights showcasing today’s top fighters from around the world.

Held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Oct. 1, 1975, the Ali-Frazier showdown is universally regarded as the best heavyweight fight in boxing history. Ali won by corner retirement after Frazier’s chief second, Eddie Futch, asked the referee to stop the fight at the end of the 14th round. The clash capped the fighters’ three-bout rivalry, which Ali took, 2–1.

Fifty years after hosting one of the most iconic boxing matches in history, the Smart Araneta Coliseum (also known as The Big Dome) once again finds itself in the spotlight.

This October marks the 50th anniversary of the “Thrilla in Manila,” the legendary 1975 bout between boxing rivals Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier that took place at the Big Dome. Regarded as one of the greatest fights of all time, the match not only brought international attention to the Philippines; it also cemented the Smart Araneta Coliseum’s reputation as a venue of historic significance.

The venue is just as iconic as the celebrated boxing event. Located at the heart of Araneta City, the Big Dome remains one of the largest indoor arenas in Asia and one of the largest clear span domes in the world, with a maximum seating capacity of 20,000. Since opening in 1960, it has hosted various world-class events, ranging from world-title boxing matches and international concerts to state functions and cultural showcases. Its iconic structure and central location have made the Big Dome the go-to venue for history-making moments, including the legendary boxing bout that took place 50 years ago.

To honor the Thrilla in Manila, Smart Araneta Coliseum and Araneta City are joining the nationwide commemoration led by the Philippine Sports Commission. This follows Memorandum Circular No. 99 issued by Malacañang, which calls for the active participation of government agencies, local government units, and the private sector in celebrating the 50th anniversary of the historic bout.

As the centerpiece venue of the celebration, Araneta City will host a series of events including month-long immersive exhibits in the Big Dome lobby, and live boxing exhibitions on October 29 featuring top fighters from around the world that will bring back the spirit of the original ‘Thrilla.’

“This year is really special for us,” said Irene Jose, COO of Uniprom Inc., the entertainment arm of Araneta City. “The Smart Araneta Coliseum has been part of so many unforgettable stories, from legendary concerts to historic fights. We’re proud to be the venue where the Thrilla in Manila happened, and we’re honored to be at the heart of its 50th anniversary celebration.”

Fifty years after Thrilla in Manila, Smart Araneta Coliseum still holds its place at the center of it all–ready for the next fight, and for the next story that will define a generation.

Feel The Thrilla : Don’t Miss these Thrilla in Manila offers.

*All Photos from Araneta City

Posted in ,

RELATED ARTICLES

deped 1

DepEd reports swift progress in school repairs in Masbate after Typhoon Opong

Several schools damaged by Typhoon Opong in Masbate are now nearing completion of repair works, with some already fully restored, Education Secretary Sonny Angara reported...
Screen Shot 2025-10-19 at 9.04.11 PM

Celebrate Diwali, Festival of Lights at Prana Indian Cuisine in Araneta City

Diwali, the vibrant and joyous “Festival of Lights,” is one of India’s most significant and widely celebrated festivals. A celebration of the triumph of light...
Screen Shot 2025-10-23 at 6.29.26 PM

6 places to have the ultimate celebration of Oktoberfest in Araneta City

Originating from the streets in Munich, Germany, Oktoberfest celebrates the festive culture of the world’s most beloved golden brew. Meanwhile, the Philippines has its own...
Screen Shot 2025-10-22 at 6.09.45 PM

COVERAGE: Manila Fashion Week 2025: Randolf

The final night of Manila Fashion Week 2025 reached its crescendo with Randolf’s much-anticipated runway showcase—an unforgettable spectacle that turned heartbreak into high art. Known...
puma 5

PUMA Launches Stylish New Colorways for the Velocity NITRO™ 4, Deviate NITRO™ 3, and ForeverRun NITRO™ 2 Running Collection

PUMA is introducing bold new looks to its acclaimed running shoes with the launch of the PUMA NITRO Running Pack, featuring refreshed colorways for the...
police

TAGUIG CITY COMMENDS POLICE FOR STRING OF SUCCESSFUL OPERATIONS IN OCTOBER

Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano commended the Taguig City Police Station (TCPS) for a series of successful anti-criminality and law enforcement operations this October that...
deped 1

DepEd reports swift progress in school repairs in Masbate after Typhoon Opong

Several schools damaged by Typhoon Opong in Masbate are now nearing completion of repair works, with some already fully restored, Education Secretary Sonny Angara reported...
Screen Shot 2025-10-19 at 9.04.11 PM

Celebrate Diwali, Festival of Lights at Prana Indian Cuisine in Araneta City

Diwali, the vibrant and joyous “Festival of Lights,” is one of India’s most significant and widely celebrated festivals. A celebration of the triumph of light...
Screen Shot 2025-10-23 at 6.29.26 PM

6 places to have the ultimate celebration of Oktoberfest in Araneta City

Originating from the streets in Munich, Germany, Oktoberfest celebrates the festive culture of the world’s most beloved golden brew. Meanwhile, the Philippines has its own...

Don't Miss

singer 3

Rapper Tom MacDonald Releases Charlie Kirk Tribute Track

trump final

Testimony of Faith and Perseverance at Trump’s Religious Liberty Event

kirk 3

Famous Faces Share Reactions to Charlie Kirk’s Death

kirk 3

Pastors, Vloggers, & Podcasters Pay tribute to Charlie Kirk