Wants next fight in RP: 'Hurricane' blows into town

MANILA, Philippines - Ana “The Hurricane” Julaton, the Fil-Am slugger who has fired up the women’s boxing scene with her exploits, wants her next fight held before local fans.

“I’m looking forward to having a fight here in the Philippines, I want to be the first Filipina to do it here, it’s a very hard task but a very exciting one,” said Julaton, who arrived early yesterday for his first ever visit in RP during a press conference hosted by television giant GMA 7 at its main building in Quezon City.

Julaton, a native of California whose middle name is Bonifacio, was coming off a split decision victory over Mexican challenger Maria Elena Villalobos to seize the vacant World Boxing Organization female super-bantamweight crown in Ontario, Canada Wednesday.

It was a much-needed win for Julaton, who also currently holds the International Boxing Federation crown, after losing to Lisa Brown via unanimous decision in their fight last March shown on GMA Network and GMA Pinoy TV.

She now has a 7-2-2 (win-loss-draw) record.

And like Filipino icon Manny Pacquiao, Julaton, who celebrated her 20th birthday last July 5, should progress under the guidance of world-class champion trainer Freddie Roach.

“I believe he’s an excellent communicator, one of the biggest things he wanted in me in the last fight was to show a lot of confidence,” said Julaton of Roach.

“He also told me that it doesn’t matter who is in your corner, it’s what you do in the ring that matters and all of it is psychological,” she added.

Julaton also thanked GMA 7 and local fans for their support.

“We’re proud of her,” said GMA 7 CEO Atty. Felipe Gozon.

“Maraming Salamat po (Thank you very much) for giving me this opportunity,” said Julaton.

“Despite being able to acquire these titles, it’s a lot of pride for me to show the world what is it to be a Filipina, strong, resilient and we have a place in this world.