Nico Ali Walsh W8 Kittisak Klinson... Nico Ali Walsh, grandson of the legendary Muhammad Ali, settled for a majority draw against Thailand’s Kittisak Klinson in an eight round middleweight match-up at the ‘Thrilla In Manila 2’ IBA show in the same city that Ali defeated Frazier in one of boxing's greatest moments. Competing in the very same arena as his grandfather’s iconic third bout with rival Joe Frazier in 1975, Ali Walsh (11-2-1, 5 KOs) overcame a slow start against his rough and rugged opponent, weathering an early storm before closing the stronger of the two and salvaging a draw. Klinson (10-2-1, 6 KOs) began the contest in formidable fashion, pressuring Ali Walsh back to the ropes and landing a series of heavy overhand rights that bounced off of the chin of crowd favorite. With the packed arena cheering his every move, Ali Walsh would showcase some of the famous Ali showmanship – even performing the famous ‘Ali shuffle’ – much to the delight of the watching audience.

However, despite a seemingly strong finish from Ali Walsh, scores of 77-75 (Klinson) and 76-76 (twice) would see him suffer a disappointing draw. Nevertheless, the watching audience rose to their feet to commemorate the Las Vegas-native, with chants of “Ali, Ali, Ali” reverberating around the world-famous Smart Araneta Coliseum.

“First off I want to thank God for this opportunity,” said Ali Walsh following the conclusion of the bout. Thank you to everyone for coming out. The Filipino fans are amazing. Thank you to my opponent, to [IBA President] Umar Kremlev and Manny Pacquiao for the opportunity. I wouldn’t be here today if not for God and my grandfather – so I want to thank my grandfather for putting on an amazing show fifty years ago in this arena. I don’t agree with the decision, but I know you all saw the real victor tonight.”

Eumir Marcial W10 Eddy Colmenare... The chief support of the evening was contested between middleweights Eumir Marcial and Eddy Colmenares, who waged an exciting ten-round battle. Former Philippines amateur star Marcial (7-0, 4 KOs) got down to business in fast fashion, unloading a series of menacing hooks to head and body from the southpaw stance. However, a dynamite third round from Venezuelan visitor Colmenares (11-3-1, 11 KOs) saw Marcial sent tumbling to the canvas. The middle rounds produced more two-way action, with both men hurt repeatedly. With the WBC open scoring showing Marcial in a narrow lead entering the final stages, there was still time for another twist in the tale; with Colmenares scoring a second knockdown with just twenty seconds remaining in the fight. Marcial would drag himself back to his feet once again, surviving the closing stages to cling on to a remarkable majority decision victory that brought the legendary Manny Pacquiao to his feet at the sound of the final bell.

ADDITIONAL RESULTS

Elsewhere on the undercard, rising Filipino Carl Jammes Martin overcame the biggest test of his career with a hard-fought ten round unanimous decision win over Aran Dipaen. Entering the bout unbeaten in twenty-six professional contests, Manny Pacquiao-promoted Martin (27-0, 20 KOs) was sent tumbling to the canvas in the third round after an innocuous looking right hand from his Thai opponent. However, replays showed the fall was more of a balance issue. Undeterred, the 26 year-old super-bantamweight prodigy came roaring back in the fourth and stamped his authority on the bout with a volley of solid shots from the southpaw stance. Dipaen (21-5, 18 KOs), however, stayed competitive throughout the remainder of the bout, landing a number of thudding right hands that bounced off of the chin of his younger opponent. Nevertheless, Martin continued to apply pressure on the front-foot, scoring a knockdown of his own in the eighth before seeing out the fight and extending his unbeaten record in impressive fashion.

Russian super middleweight Vadim Tukov outpointed Ghana’s Sena Agbeko over eight rounds. With both men intent on landing heavy leather from the opening bell, it was the cleaner work of Tukov (18-0 including IBA pro bouts) that secured the victory on the judges scorecards against the tough Agbeko (29-5 including IBA pro bouts).