Ali's Legacy in the Philippines

One of the famous quotes from three-time world boxing champion Muhammad Ali.

The whole world was shocked and surprised by the sudden and untimely death of three-time world champion and boxing legend Muhammad Ali last weekend after his 32-year battle against Parkinson's disease, and it seems that many sports personalities around the globe are saddened by this unexpected event. As the world pays tribute to what is considered as the greatest boxer of all time, many long-time Filipino boxing fans and enthusiasts remembered Ali's legacy in the Philippines and it happened in the last months of the year 1975.


The third showdown between Muhammad Ali and George Frazier on October 1, 1975 was the only memorable event that I can think of regarding the boxing legend. Dubbed as "Thrilla in Manila", the event was watched by more than 25,000 spectators inside the Araneta Coliseum and millions around the world. It was an epic fourteen-round battle that has taken the two boxing legends to their own limit. In the end, Frazier did not continue to go on and Ali won via technical knockout from what I understand. And do you know that the event happened just more than three years after the Philippines was under martial law thanks to then Philippine president Ferdinand Marcos? But, this is just part of Ali's legacy in the country.

Even after Thrilla, Ali still loves the Philippines regardless of the negative criticism on the country's implementation of martial law not only because of the beautiful sceneries, but also of hospitality and beautiful women. Maybe that is the reason why foreign tourists just can't get enough of visiting our local shores, martial law or not. As a tribute to his victory, the first multi-level commercial shopping center in the Philippines was born, and its name is Ali Mall which stands next beside the famous Araneta Coliseum. Until now, these two are still standing that cope with today's modern developments.

And that is Muhammad Ali's legacy in the Philippines. If you think that there is more to the legacy that has left a mark in our country, then you should know your own. Besides, October 1, 1975 will be remembered as one of the most historical events in Philippine sports history, and that is just a fact of life, my friends. So, believe it!!