‘Thrilla’ ref coming to town
LAS VEGAS — “Thrilla In Manila” referee Carlos (Sonny) Padilla Jr. is coming to town to attend the 50th anniversary celebration of the 1975 world heavyweight championship fight between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Oct. 29. He’s now 91, extremely lucid for his age and eager to join the festivities.
Padilla migrated to the US in 1977 and lives in Las Vegas with wife Esperanza, 86, and two of their six children Perigrine, 56, and Clarita, 65. “Thrilla” anniversary promoter Manny Pacquiao extended an invitation to Padilla and his wife to fly to Manila through event organizer Liza Elorde.
“Wala na sina Ali, Frazier at ako buhay pa,” said Padilla. “Modesty aside, ako ang nagpaganda ng laban at ‘di ko pinayagan humawak si Ali. One time, nag-warning ako kay Ali at tinulak niya si Frazier sa likod ng ulo at halos lumabas ng ring. Sabi ko, that’s a foul. ‘Di na niya ginawa uli. Noong 14th round, tiningnan kong mabuti si Frazier. Kutob ko one more round at kung ‘di na kaya ni Frazier, titigil ko na. Bago mag 15th round, ‘di na pinalabas ni (Eddie) Futch si Frazier. Si Ali, halos ‘di na makatayo sa corner at tinaas ko ang kamay niya na nakaupo sa stool.”
Padilla revealed that he wasn’t advised of his assignment until hours before the fight. “Tatlong referee (Zach Clayton, Arthur Mercante, Harry Gibbs) pagpipilian,” he recounted. “Dumating ako sa Araneta ng 6 a.m., galing bahay sa San Juan. Dami ng tao sa labas naghihintay pumasok, karamihan natulog sa bangketa. Pagpasok ko sa Araneta, tinawagan ako ni (GAB chairman Louie) Tabuena at ako raw ang referee sa main event. Wala akong kaba at sanay ako sa pelikula. Nagumpisa ako maging artista ng 13 at naka halos 100 movies hanggang si Tiyo Pempe nag-udyok sa akin maging referee noong 1964.”
Padilla said he added some theatrics to his “Thrilla” performance. “Nagulat lahat sa ginawa ko, ‘di ako na-intimidate, hanga sila,” he noted. Padilla went on to become a much sought-after referee in big fights. He worked nearly 70 world title bouts in a career that lasted up to 2000. Among the legends whose fights he officiated were Mike Tyson, Roberto Duran, Tommy Hearns, Sugar Ray Leonard, Marvelous Marvin Hagler and Manny Pacquiao. What opened the doors for Padilla was the “Thrilla” and he’ll always be grateful for the opportunity. “Ako ang simbolo ng ‘Thrilla,’” he said. “Karangalan ng ating bansa. Puhunan ko, dugo’t pawis. Salamat kay Manny sa imbitasyon na maka-attend ng Golden Anniversary at maikwento ko ang istorya ng ‘Thrilla In Manila.’”
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