MANILA, Philippines - Ana Julaton is behind enemy lines.
Yesterday, the reigning WBO super-bantamweight champion from the Philippines arrived in Argentina to defend her crown against Yesica Marcos on March 16.
It was in Argentina where another Filipino boxer, Johnriel Casimero, knocked out local boy Luis Lazarte for the vacant IBF light-flyweight interim title last Feb. 10.
But even before the referee could declare Casimero the winner, an ugly riot erupted inside the arena, and Argentine fans came very close to hurting the Filipino.
More than a dozen plastic chairs were thrown inside the ring as well as other debris, and a couple of fans, together with Lazarte’s handlers, attacked the Filipinos.
Casimero’s trainer, Pingping Tepora, and his manager, Sammy Gello-ani, suffered bruises during the melee, and police had to shield them from their attackers.
Filipino government officials denounced the incident, especially after the president of the Argentine Boxing Commission said there was nothing wrong with what happened.
Now it’s Julaton’s turn to face the hostile crowd.
The Filipina beauty arrived in Argentina together with her manager/trainer Angelo Reyes, and team photographer Alfredo Perez, according to The Examiner.
No chairs were thrown at her and not one unruly fan greeted them at the airport. Instead, Julaton was met with a bouquet of flowers from San Martin Mayor Jerge Omar Jimenez.
It was Women’s Day in Argentina, and the Filipino camp will pray that it stays that way.
Argentine promoter Osvaldo Rivero has assured Julaton of her safety during her stay in Argentina, and said the bout set at the Teatro Griego will be secured during the fight.
Rivero was also the promoter of the Casimero-Lazarte fight.
“You have my absolute assurance that the stadium where Ana will fight is secure,” said Rivero in an email to The STAR columnist Joaquin Henson a few days ago.
“All Yesica’s fights have been held before big crowds and there has never been a problem. I don’t see how things will be different in her fight against Ana. I speak from the heart,” he said.
But does he speak for the fans?