Marcial Open to Colmenares Rematch After Controversial ‘Thrilla in Manila’ Showdown

Sports | Boxing Posted on 2025-11-02 01:57:00

MANILA — Filipino Olympian and rising boxing star Eumir Marcial expressed openness to a rematch with Venezuelan fighter Eddy Colmenares, following their intense clash for the WBC International Middleweight Title that left fans divided over the outcome.

The bout, held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City, coincided with the 50th anniversary of the historic “Thrilla in Manila” between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier — and delivered a similarly electrifying atmosphere for a new generation of boxing fans.

A Modern-Day “Thrilla”

Like the 1975 classic, the Marcial-Colmenares showdown was a war of attrition. Marcial bloodied his opponent early in the first round, only for Colmenares to respond with a knockdown in the third. Both fighters traded heavy blows in the later rounds, with Colmenares flooring Marcial again in the final round of the 10-round battle.

Despite being knocked down twice, Marcial emerged victorious by majority decision, earning the WBC International Middleweight Belt and improving his record to 7-0. However, the decision sparked mixed reactions among fans — and disbelief from Colmenares, who took to social media to protest the result.

Controversy and Calls for a Rematch

In posts on Instagram, Colmenares alleged he was the “victim of a brazen robbery,” claiming he dominated the match and scored two knockdowns despite being the smaller fighter. He also criticized referee Nobuto Ikehara for allegedly missing another potential knockdown.

As debate continues among fans and analysts, Marcial responded with sportsmanship, saying he would welcome a rematch if the people and his promoter, Manny Pacquiao, want it.

“Kung ‘yun ang hiling ng mga tao at gagawin ni Sir Manny, why not?” Marcial said. “Napasaya natin yung mga tao. Gusto kong ibalik ‘yun dito.”
(If that’s what the people want and Sir Manny agrees, why not? We made the fans happy — I want to bring that back here.)

Honoring the Spirit of the “Thrilla in Manila”

Marcial said his priority was not proving doubters wrong, but giving Filipino fans another unforgettable fight in the same venue where Ali and Frazier made history half a century ago.

“Fifty years ago, dito sa stadium, grabe ang hiyawan ng mga tao. Ngayong gabi, I hope napasaya ko ang mga kababayan natin at naparamdam ko kung ano ang ‘Thrilla in Manila’,” he said.
(Fifty years ago, the crowd here was electric. Tonight, I hope I made our countrymen happy and helped them feel what the ‘Thrilla in Manila’ was.)

Path Ahead for Marcial

With his victory, Marcial inches closer to a shot at the WBC World Title, currently held by Carlos Adames. But with the controversy surrounding his win, fans and analysts agree that a rematch with Colmenares might be the defining test before he takes on global contenders like Chris Eubank Jr. and Kieron Conway.

Whether for redemption, rivalry, or pure entertainment, one thing is certain: the boxing world is ready for another “Thrilla” — this time, between Marcial and Colmenares, Round Two.