The event will highlight the epic 1975 heavyweight championship bout between Ali and Joe Frazier, remembered as one of the most intense and grueling fights in boxing history. Headlining the day’s program will be Khaliah Ali, daughter of the three-time world champion.
Other featured guests include former heavyweight champion Tim Witherspoon, acclaimed author Mark Kram Jr. (“Smokin’ Joe: The Life of Joe Frazier”), and Boxing Hall of Fame writers Ron Borges and Randy Gordon. Former Pennsylvania State Boxing Commissioner George Bochetto and his son Evan will also present their documentary short Cassius Ali, which explores the formative years of the young champion.
The program will be hosted by Mike Madden, owner of Fighter’s Heaven. A screening of the full fight will be followed by a panel discussion with boxing experts and conclude with a meet-and-greet reception.
Tickets are $50 and include admission to all events, lunch, the reception, and a commemorative poster. The day’s activities run from 10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Proceeds will benefit the St. Joseph Center for Special Learning, which provides educational and vocational services for children and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The “Thrilla in Manila,” held on October 1, 1975 at the Araneta Coliseum in the Philippines, was the third and final fight between Ali and Frazier. The brutal match ended when Frazier’s corner stopped the fight after the 14th round. Ali famously called it “the closest thing to dying,” while Frazier described it as pushing himself beyond human limits.
Fighter’s Heaven itself is a landmark of boxing history. Restored to its original condition, the camp has been designated as both a Pennsylvania and National Historic Landmark, preserving the legacy of the sport’s greatest champion.
For tickets and more information, visit www.fightersheaven.com.