Philippines, 30 May 2025
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


CARLOS PADILLA, JR. -- THE GREATEST FILIPINO INTERNATIONAL REFEREE


PhilBoxing.com




"Thrilla in Manila" is worth remembering not only because of the clash of the two boxing titans Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier in Manila, but because it was the stepping stone to greatness of the third man in the ring of the classic fight, Carlos "Sonny" Padilla, Jr.

Padilla grew up in the movie industry because it runs in the blood of the Padilla family. He is the son of Carlos Padilla, Sr., an actor. He is also the nephew of Jose Padilla, Jr., Ateng Osorio, Amado Cortez and Roy Padilla, the father of Robin Padilla, all had been involved in the motion picture industry.

Sonny is also the father of the famous actress-singer Zsa Zsa Padilla. His granddaughter Karylle is now a rising singer, having sung the Philippine National Anthem during the Pacquiao-de la Hoya "Dream Match".

Padilla started out as a child actor, later became a teenage matinee idol, and eventually a celebrity as a movie star. When his movie career was plummeting he rejoined the world of sports and became a boxing referee. He has great love for boxing simply because he was an amateur boxer in his younger days.

He got the biggest break of his career as a referee and his second opportunity to return back to fame with the "Thrilla in Manila". The former President Ferdinand Marcos used all his power and influence to bring the match in the Philippines. The classic encounter could win international recognition and somewhat advertise the peace and order situation in the country brought about by the declaration of martial law.

The Philippine government thought that it would be a great honor to have a Filipino referee for the celebrated match. The ideal choice was Carlos Padilla Jr., young and handsome, being a well-known actor, who could project the competence and charisma of the Filipinos. Although he was told about his being chosen to act as the referee of the "Thrilla" only a day before the match, he lived up to the big challenge.

Padilla was at first criticized by some personalities in the international press who thought at 160 pounds he was too small to control the fight. But Padilla did an excellent job in that fight, frequently pulling down Ali's arm every time he wrapped it around Frazier's nape. He even gave a warning to Ali for holding and not too many referees were able to do that to "The Greatest".

With the encouragement of boxing promoter Don King who was amazed by his performance at the "Thrilla", Padilla migrated to Las Vegas, Nevada. He worked as a bartender at Caesar's Palace and became a top-ranked international referee. He appeared as the third man in the ring of the famous fights of celebrated boxers.

Among the renowned boxers he was able to officiate were Sugar Ray Leonard, Roberto Duran, Marvin Hagler, Alexis Arguello, Salvador Sanchez, Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield, Larry Holmes, Michael Spinks, George Foreman, Ken Norton, Tommy Hearns, Wilfred Benitez, Julio Cesar Chavez, Hector Camacho, and other world champions.

Subsequently, he became a figure in the big fights in the United States. His last stint as a referee was when Manny Pacquiao stopped Nedal Hussein of Australia in the 10th round in Antipolo City in 2000.

Padilla, 74, now works as a driver at the Harmon Medical and Rehabilitation Center. Sonny said he retired from working Las Vegas fights because of too much politics in big-time boxing. But he has already carved out a famous name in world boxing as the greatest Filipino referee.

Top photo: Filipino referee Carlos Padilla, Jr. works out in one of the fights in the United States.


Click here to view a list of other articles written by Maloney L. Samaco.


Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • Former Champion Jaime Munguía Notified of Possible Failed Drug Test
    , Fri, 30 May 2025
  • WEIGHTS AND PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES FOR MANUEL GALLEGOS VS. KHALIL COE REMATCH IN GUADALAJARA, MEXICO
    , Fri, 30 May 2025
  • Championship Summer: Puerto Rican Star Xander Zayas to Battle Mexico’s Jorge Garcia for WBO Jr. Middleweight Crown July 26 at The Theater at Madison Square Garden LIVE on ESPN
    , Fri, 30 May 2025
  • José Sulaimán Honored as New Gym Inaugurated in México State
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Thu, 29 May 2025
  • Approval of 17 new applications sees membership of World Boxing surpass100 National Federations
    , Thu, 29 May 2025
  • SBA Scouting Tour Kicks Off in Cagayan de Oro
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Thu, 29 May 2025
  • Sampson Boxing Signs Openly Gay South American Boxer Oscar Bonifacino to Promotional Contract
    , Thu, 29 May 2025
  • OK-C you in the Finals Soon, Indy or NY; Thunder Oust Minnesota in Five, 124-94
    By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, , Thu, 29 May 2025
  • Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimàn: Remembering Don José Sulaimàn
    By Mauricio Sulaimán, , Thu, 29 May 2025
  • Manalo’s son Dylan secures victory
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Thu, 29 May 2025
  • Manny’s induction to proceed
    By Joaquin Henson, , Thu, 29 May 2025
  • Hall of Fame Boxing Promoter Don King Wins $1.1 Million Purse Bid To Promote WBA Regular Heavyweight World Champion Kubrat Pulev Facing No. 2 Contender Michael Hunter On August 23
    , Thu, 29 May 2025
  • Super middleweight division to open up, Darius Fulghum plans to make his move
    , Thu, 29 May 2025
  • Boxing News Roundup: Tragedy, Comebacks, and Controversies Rock the Ring
    , Wed, 28 May 2025
  • Indiana Pushes New York on the Edge, Wins Game Four, 130-121 for 3-1 Lead
    By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, , Wed, 28 May 2025
  • Former Japanese World Champion Ginjiro Shigeoka Retires After Brain Surgery
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Wed, 28 May 2025
  • Certeza Leads Antipolo Speedcubing Winners
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Wed, 28 May 2025
  • CATTERALL VS. EUBANK + UNDERCARD LAUNCH PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES
    , Wed, 28 May 2025
  • THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION MAY 26 2025: Willibaldo Garcia, Terri Harper, Pedro Taduran and Angelo Leo Register Wins in World Title Fights
    By Eric Armit, , Tue, 27 May 2025
  • Why split decision for Taduran?
    By Joaquin Henson, , Tue, 27 May 2025
  • Oklahoma Nips Minnesota, 128-126 for 3-1 Series Lead; T-Wolves Lose Despite Better Stats
    By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, , Tue, 27 May 2025
  • Height no problem for Manny
    By Joaquin Henson, , Tue, 27 May 2025
  • IBF Could Spoil Planned Taduran-Collazo Fight
    By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, , Tue, 27 May 2025
  • Tiauson rules Bulan, Sorsogon Open Rapid chess tourney; pockets P10,000
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Tue, 27 May 2025
  • HITCHINS AND KAMBOSOS JR. LAY THEIR ‘CARDS ON THE TABLE’ AHEAD OF NY SHOWDOWN
    , Tue, 27 May 2025




  •  



     
    PhilBoxing.com has been created to support every aspiring
    Filipino boxer and the Philippine boxing scene in general.
    Please send comments to feedback@philboxing.com


    PRIVATE POLICY | LEGAL DISCLAIMER
    developed and maintained by dong secuya
    © 2025 philboxing.com.