Ana mum but Reyes predicts knockout

MANILA, Philippines - WBO women’s superbantamweight champion Ana (Hurricane) Julaton wouldn’t predict an outcome in her scheduled 10-round title bout against rugged challenger Franchesca (The Chosen One) Alcanter of Kansas City at the Craneway Pavilion, Point Richmond, California, this morning (Manila time) but her manager Angelo Reyes said he expects a late stoppage.

“Based on Ana’s progress and what she has shown in sparring with (former WBC lightflyweight champion Rodel) Mayol the past few weeks, I think Ana has a lot of weapons she is showcasing now,” said Reyes. “What the question will be is whether or not she will show it (against Alcanter). My opinion is that Ana is much too fast for Alcanter and if Franchesca chooses to use her power to possibly knock out Ana, it will be Franchesca that will end up on the floor.”

Reyes said he expects Julaton to fluster Alcanter with her speed and left jab which he described as the best in the business. “I can see it ending in the eighth or ninth round with Ana winning by technical knockout,” he continued. “Alcanter will be so beat and cut up by then. On a skill level, Ana’s way up there.”

Reyes said although Alcanter is more experienced, she will work under a handicap because of her weight situation. Alcanter, 36, is dropping down in weight for the crack at Julaton’s title. Alcanter once weighed 140 pounds for a fight in 2004 and has previously fought for the world featherweight and superfeatherweight titles. She hasn’t fought in nearly two years. But it is a fact that Alcanter has figured in 28 bouts, excluding mixed martial arts outings, and 117 rounds compared to Julaton’s 10 fights and 69 rounds.

In Alcanter’s last outing in May 2009, she went the distance in losing a unanimous 10-round decision to Kazakhstan’s Ina Menzer in Bremen, Germany. The three judges scored identical shutouts, 100-90. At least, Alcanter proved her durability by surviving the full route with Menzer.

Alcanter’s record is 18-9-1, with nine KOs. Julaton has compiled a 7-2-1 mark, with one KO. 

“There are no blueprints to beat Ana right now,” said Reyes. “She has gotten better from her last performance. I know she is eager to show it in front of her hometown fans and friends. Ana is a workout machine. I will stick to my prediction of Ana winning by a late technical knockout.”

Reyes said the fight could be a repeat of Manny Pacquiao against Antonio Margarito where the Mexican went down in weight for the chance to face the Filipino ring icon. 

“Alcanter is used to fighting in the featherweight and superfeatherweight divisions,” said Reyes. “She’s dropping down for the chance to win a world title. She’s a hard puncher as her record shows but Ana is too fast and too skillful.”

Trainer Freddie Roach will be in Julaton’s corner for the fight. Alcanter used to work out in Roach’s Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles so the trainer is aware of her skill level. Roach reportedly said Julaton has what it takes to beat Alcanter.

“The main thing I’ve learned from Freddie and I’ve learned a lot, is to fight your fight,” said Julaton. “It’s all about how I present myself in the ring. I’ll do the jab, use my speed, go with my footwork, whatever it takes to win. We talk a lot about professional boxing, the perspective of a champion in and out of the ring. If you’re a Freddie fighter, you’ve got to be disciplined. During a fight, I listen to what he says and do what I’m told. Alcanter used to work out with Freddie so he knows what she’s capable of and I’m confident of keeping my title.”

Julaton, 30, won the vacant WBO 122-pound crown on a split 10-round decision over Mexico’s Maria Elena Villalobos in Ontario last June. She turned pro in 2007 and is making her first defense of the title.

Julaton said her ultimate goal is to unify the world superbantamweight championship. Some of the top pound-for-pound fighters in women’s boxing are in the division. Among the outstanding 122-pounders are Marcela Acuna of Argentina, American Lisa Brown, Mexico’s Jackie Nava, Jamaica’s Alicia Ashley and Puerto Rico’s Ada Velez.

But before tracking other fighters, Julaton has a pressing engagement. Her immediate priority is to dispose of Alcanter.