Opinion | Thrilla in Manila remains Asia's best fight ever
The Pacquiao-Rios clash may involve more money and TV viewers but the epic Frazier-Ali battle is a pop culture phenomenon that is difficult to beat
It's snowing in Macau, this being late November and all. Of course, this is also the tropics, so there is no snow-removing equipment nearby and the white flakes are actually falling from a spray-painting gun. Yes, everything is a bit surreal around the Venetian in Macau where "Winter at Cotai Strip" will overlap with "The Clash in Cotai" this weekend.
And while Manny Pacquiao and Brandon Rios are tuning up for the fight somewhere inside this ridiculously massive edifice, the throngs on the casino floor are invited to have their pictures taken with the two fighters for free. However the fighters, much like the snow, are artificial, with computer-generated images taking their place. One thing that is not artificial, though, is the genuine buzz in the air.
"This will be by far the biggest purse in Asia," the fight's promoter Bob Arum said in October. "I expect Manny to make approximately US$20 million and Rios US$4 million. There's no question it will be the biggest boxing fight in Asia ever."
A fair bit of hyperbole. But hey, Bob is a promoter. The "Thrilla in Manila" will always be the biggest boxing fight in Asia, of that there is no doubt. The final chapter of the trilogy between two iconic heavyweights Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier in October 1975 at Araneta Coliseum, the bout is routinely rated as one of the greatest fights of all time. It lives forever in popular culture folklore and has spawned a number of books as well as a couple of movies. It's pretty doubtful The Clash in Cotai will have anywhere near that kind of impact.
Almost on cue, Arum casually makes his way around the press area and stops by to say hello. Tells me we are doing good work covering the fight and I thank him for finally bringing us a big tilt. I mean, what should I say to arguably the biggest promoter in boxing since Don King? Dress warm Bob, it's snowing outside?
Actually, Mr Arum, with all due respect, there is one thing I need to say. The biggest fight ever in Asia has to be the Thrilla in Manila.