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By Jun Medina, Special Correspondent
SAN FRANCISCO, California: Fast-rising Fil-American phenom Ana
“The Hurricane” Julaton will face Dominga Olivo of the Dominican
Republic Thursday night for the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC)
International super bantamweight title at the Tachi Palace Hotel and
Casino in Lemoore, California.
Julaton, the unbeaten protégé of world
pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao, is seeking to become the first
Filipina—and the first female American—to win the WBC
international super bantamweight crown, on just her sixth fight
since turning pro eight months ago.
“I’m excited, and I’m ready for this title
shot,” Julaton said during a break in training at the West Wind
Gym on University Avenue in Berkeley.
She said training camp started soon after her
last fight in the first week of July at the famous Wild Card Gym in
Hollywood under renowned American trainer Freddie Roach. Julaton is
the only female fighter of Roach, trainer of Manny Pacquiao since
2001.
The daughter of Filipino parents from Daly City,
the 27-year-old Julaton is considered as the female Manny Pacquiao
because of her speed, power and ring finesse reminiscent of the
Filipino four-division world champion.
Roach said Julaton “is in very good shape”
and would ready for the big fight Thursday night.
“We know we have a real tough girl in front of
us,” said Roach, referring to Olivo. “But I think Ana can out
box her and win the title.”
Roach, a three-time trainer of the year, said a
win on Thursday for the international title would position Julaton
for a world title shot late this year or early next year.
Julaton (4-0-1, one by KO) and currently ranked
12th WBC contender, while the dangerous Olivo, currently No. 6
in the WBC super featherweight division, has won eight of 11
professional fights. Olivo’s only losses were inflicted by
undefeated 135-lbs star Chika Nakamura,World Boxing Association
lightweight champion Laya McCarter and IWBF super bantamweight
champion Ela Nuñez (ranked No. 2 by WBC).
Julaton started as a martial arts student,
learning Kwok-Po Tai Kwon Dao and other forms for nearly 13 years
under Keith Sheppard in Berkeley, California. She was
introduced to boxing by her manager Angelo Reyes four years ago, at
the same time as Sheppard.
During her three-year career as an amateur,
Julaton was one of the best in the women’s featherweight division,
winning the silver medal in the 2007 US Women’s National
Championships and gaining a No. 2 ranking overall.
Julaton dreamed of competing in the Olympics,
fighting 35 amateur fights in the vain hope of seeing action this
year in Beijing. But when the International Olympic Committee
continued to sit on proposals to introduce women’s boxing as an
official Olympic sport, Julaton heeded Roach‘s suggestion to turn
professional.
Since turning pro, Julaton won four straight
fights in impressive fashions. In her first fight, she defeated Rita
Valentini, a top-20 ranked fighter, and outclassed Carly Batey, a
Top 10 contender in her next bout.
In her third fight in March, Julaton had to
adapt in style against 5’10” Clara de la Torre, relying on
excellent footwork, quick combinations, and a powerful uppercut to
beat her much bigger opponent.
Julaton’s fourth win was a devastating
knockout win over Mexican American Salina Jordan 37 seconds into the
first round on June 26 at the Tachi Palace Casino and Hotel.
Ten days later, she fought to a disputed draw
against fellow US amateur standout Johana Mendez, a crafty Mexican
American, whose counter-punching style seemed to neutralize
Julaton’s speed and power.
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