Charly Suarez and his camp are buzzing with anticipation over the possibility of headlining a historic boxing event that could echo one of the sport’s most iconic moments–the “Thrilla in Manila.”
Promoter Bob Arum recently hinted at staging a rematch between Suarez and Mexico’s Emmanuel Navarrete this October, as part of the 50th anniversary celebration of the legendary 1975 heavyweight clash between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier.
“After the fight kinabukasan, kinausap kami ng Top Rank, ni Bob Arum. Sabi niya ‘di ba may anniversary ng Thrilla in Manila ngayong October? So sabi niya sa anniversary, ako ‘yung main event,” shared Suarez in a recent interview by RP2.
This renewed attention follows a dramatic turn of events earlier this week, when the California State Athletic Commission overturned Navarrete’s controversial technical decision win over Suarez, officially declaring it a No Contest. In response, the WBO ordered an immediate rematch.
The original “Thrilla in Manila,” held on October 1, 1975, at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City, is widely regarded as one of boxing’s greatest battles—a brutal and unforgettable war won by Muhammad Ali.
Arum, who promoted that legendary bout, expressed his desire to return to the same venue for the rematch.
“What I’m working on—and I don’t know if I can pull it off—is to hold the fight this October, on the 50th anniversary of the ‘Thrilla in Manila,’ at the same venue, the now-renovated Araneta Coliseum,” Arum told Fight Freaks Unite’s Dan Rafael.
However, Arum later tempered those expectations.
He cited the recovery time Navarrete needs after suffering a deep cut in his bout with Suarez, which may make an October date impractical.
Still, the 93-year-old promoter confirmed that Navarrete is expected to remain at 130 pounds and continue defending his WBO super featherweight title, despite difficulties making the weight.
For his part, Suarez remains focused and flexible.
Should Navarrete move up in weight and vacate the title, Suarez said he would welcome a fight against Japan’s Kenichi Ogawa, the WBO’s No. 2-ranked contender.
