Thrilla in Manila 2 delivered another night of fireworks at the historic Araneta Coliseum, reviving the legendary energy of the 1975 heavyweight clash that first put Philippine boxing on the global map. On Wednesday, Filipino rising star Eman Bacosa opened the 50th-anniversary undercard with a spirited performance that earned him a unanimous decision victory over Nico Salado in their six-round lightweight showdown.
Judges scored the bout 58-55, 58-55, and 60-53, all in favor of Bacosa, whose aggressive style and precision punching once again proved why he’s one of the most exciting prospects in Philippine boxing today.
A Promising Start to ‘Thrilla in Manila 2’
From the opening bell, Bacosa fought like a man determined to make a statement. Representing General Santos City, the 21-year-old boxer came out swinging, using crisp combinations and relentless pressure to take control of the fight early. His trademark left hook found its mark multiple times, and he managed to send Salado to the canvas in both the first and fourth rounds, establishing dominance before a roaring crowd at the Big Dome.
The event, part of the “Thrilla in Manila 2” 50th-anniversary celebration, was not just another boxing card—it was a symbolic night that bridged generations of Filipino fighters. Bacosa’s performance perfectly captured that spirit of pride and resilience that defined the original 1975 bout between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier.
Salado’s Grit and Late Rally
Despite the early knockdowns, Nico Salado of Bohol refused to back down. In the later rounds, he showed grit and determination, connecting with a few clean shots that tested Bacosa’s defense. His counterpunching improved in rounds five and six, and although he managed to land several right-hand blows, he couldn’t shift the fight’s momentum.
Salado’s effort earned him respect from both the crowd and the commentators, who noted his composure despite being hurt early in the fight. However, Bacosa’s conditioning and ring control remained evident until the final bell, cementing his place as the dominant fighter of the night.
Post-Fight Reflections: Humility and Focus
Following his win, Bacosa expressed gratitude and humility, thanking his supporters and giving credit to his faith.
“Maraming salamat sa Panginoong Diyos natin dahil sa pagbigay niya sa akin ng proteksyon at paggabay niya sa akin sa tagumpay. Maraming salamat din sa mga sumusuporta,” he said.
He also revealed that while he was confident in his victory, his coach reminded him to stay composed.
“Confident po ako na mananalo. Pero sabi kasi ng coach ko huwag masyadong gigil, huwag masyadong habol sa knockout dahil darating din po yun,” Bacosa added.
With the win, Bacosa improves his professional record to 7-0, maintaining his unbeaten streak, while Salado falls to 2-2-1. The victory reinforces Bacosa’s standing as one of the Philippines’ brightest boxing prospects, following in the footsteps of greats who once fought under the same lights of Araneta Coliseum.
A Symbolic Night for Philippine Boxing
The ‘Thrilla in Manila 2’ event wasn’t just about individual bouts—it was a celebration of five decades of Filipino boxing excellence. The atmosphere inside the Araneta Coliseum was electric, filled with fans, veteran fighters, and sports legends who gathered to commemorate the golden anniversary of the 1975 Ali-Frazier trilogy finale.
While the original “Thrilla in Manila” symbolized global boxing glory, this year’s event showcased the new generation of Filipino warriors ready to make their mark on the sport. Eman Bacosa’s victory, in many ways, represented that passing of the torch—an embodiment of Filipino determination, faith, and fighting heart.
Promoters and organizers of ‘Thrilla in Manila 2’ designed the undercard to highlight promising local talents. Bacosa’s bout was one of the most anticipated fights of the night, proving that the Philippines continues to produce world-class boxers who can stand tall on international stages.
Bacosa’s Rise: A Glimpse of the Future
Still only 21 years old, Eman Bacosa has quickly gained attention for his technical skill and controlled aggression inside the ring. Hailing from a city known for producing boxing greats—including Manny Pacquiao—Bacosa has been training under a disciplined system that emphasizes fundamentals, defense, and endurance.
His steady progression from amateur standout to professional contender reflects his commitment to growth. Each fight has shown new layers to his skill set—from timing and distance control to patience and counterpunching. His performance in ‘Thrilla in Manila 2’ reaffirmed his readiness for tougher competition in the lightweight division.
When asked what’s next for him, Bacosa humbly stated that he would leave the decision to his team. For now, he’s focused on improving and representing Filipino boxing on an even bigger stage.
Honoring a Legacy, Inspiring a Generation
Thrilla in Manila 2 wasn’t simply a sequel in name—it was a heartfelt tribute to the fight that forever changed the landscape of global boxing. The event served as a reminder of how deeply intertwined boxing is with Filipino identity, perseverance, and pride.
By headlining the undercard with a decisive victory, Eman Bacosa joined the ranks of modern Pinoy fighters who continue to honor that legacy. His performance not only extended his personal unbeaten streak but also reignited national enthusiasm for the sport.
In many ways, Bacosa’s calm confidence and humility mirror the spirit of Filipino champions who came before him—fighters who battled not only opponents in the ring but also the odds outside it.
What’s Next for ‘Thrilla in Manila 2’?
Following the success of this year’s Thrilla in Manila 2, organizers are already discussing the possibility of turning it into an annual tradition that celebrates both heritage and emerging talent. The mix of nostalgia, sportsmanship, and new-generation boxing has proven to resonate deeply with Filipino audiences.
With Bacosa’s victory setting the tone, fans can expect future events to feature more high-caliber matchups between local and international fighters. The goal, according to insiders, is to build the Philippines once again into a global boxing destination—one where the “Thrilla in Manila” name continues to live on through each punch thrown and every victory earned.
Conclusion
Eman Bacosa’s triumph in Thrilla in Manila 2 was more than just another win on his record—it was a celebration of Filipino resilience, talent, and heart. His dominant yet disciplined performance reflected both his personal growth and the broader spirit of Philippine boxing.
As Bacosa remains undefeated, fans eagerly await his next step—whether that’s a national title bout or a chance to represent the Philippines internationally. For now, his victory at the Araneta Coliseum stands as a defining moment in his young career, perfectly capturing the essence of Thrilla in Manila 2 : honoring the past, energizing the present, and inspiring the future of boxing in the Philippines.
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