Carlos Padilla Jr.
Carlos "Sonny" Dolorico Padilla Jr. was a boxing referee and judge from the Philippines. Padilla was a recognizable movie star but when his career began to decline, he rejoined the world of sports and became a boxing referee.
The son of actor Carlos Padilla Sr., Padilla first came to international prominence when he refereed the third fight between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier, known as the "Thrilla in Manila". Before the fight Frazier's trainer Eddie Futch had objected to all three American referees, so the little-known local official Padilla was selected as a late replacement.
Afterwards Padilla relocated to the United States and refereed many high-profile boxing matches over the next two decades, including Sugar Ray Leonard vs. Wilfredo Benitez, Mike Tyson vs. Pinklon Thomas, Sugar Ray Leonard vs. Roberto Durán 1, Thomas Hearns vs. Roberto Durán, Julio César Chávez vs. Ruben Castillo, Dwight Muhammad Qawi vs. Matthew Saad Muhammad and Salvador Sanchez vs. Wilfredo Gomez. He refereed his final fight in October 2000.
Padilla was also known for his commercial advertisement of "Family Rubbing Alcohol" with the famous slogan, Hindi lang pampamilya, pang-isports pa.Personal life
Padilla is the son of actor Carlos Padilla Sr. and the nephew of several actors involved in the movie industry. Originally an actor, Padilla is the father of singer/actress Zsa Zsa Padilla. He was given a lifetime achievement award by the Philippine Sportswriters Association in 2011. His granddaughter, Karylle, has also achieved fame in boxing, singing the Philippine National Anthem during the Pacquiao-de la Hoya fight, The Dream Match.
