Julaton says Manny will be stronger

MANILA, Philippines - Former two-time WBO female superbantamweight champion Ana (The Hurricane) Julaton said the other day Manny Pacquiao’s mistake of walking into a knockout punch by Juan Manuel Marquez won’t downgrade his status as one of the greatest fighters who ever lived and predicted the Filipino icon will bounce back with a vengeance.

Julaton, who was born in San Francisco to Filipino parents, was horrified at ringside when Marquez stopped Pacquiao in his tracks with a second left in the sixth round in Las Vegas last weekend. Marquez, not known as a one-punch knockout artist, displayed surprising power by sending Pacquiao down face first with a single blow.

“I believe Manny was winning all the rounds including the third before he was knocked down,” said Julaton who’s coming off a first round disposal of Abigail Ramos in the Yucatan, Mexico, last August. “If he didn’t get knocked down in the third and sixth, the judges would have given him those rounds, making it a shutout at that point.”

Julaton, 32, said if only Pacquiao survived that last second of the sixth, he would’ve gone on to halt Marquez. “Marquez wouldn’t have made it past eight rounds especially with how much Manny was imposing his speed on him,” she continued. “I believe Manny was so fast and he wanted to fight and give a great show for the people that he moved into that Marquez punch. It’s our sport and anything can happen.”

If ever Pacquiao and Marquez extend their rivalry into a quintology, Julaton said there’s no doubt who will win the fifth fight. “I believe in a fifth fight, he would beat Marquez,” she said. “If Manny chooses to fight again, I believe he will beat anyone including Floyd Mayweather Jr. Like he said, he made just one mistake. Manny was winning that fight against Marquez and was on his way to scoring a knockout. Manny’s movements and fighting spirit reminded me of how he was when I first worked out with him in 2006. He’s the reason why I was inspired to do boxing.”

The year 2006 was when Pacquiao stopped Erik Morales twice. A year later, Julaton turned pro and has since compiled a 12-3-1 mark, with 2 KOs. 

“Earlier in the week before the fight, Manny was telling me about how God has a plan and he will reveal it when it’s time,” said Julaton. “I’m inspired and humbled by the way he has reacted to all of this as I explained to my promoter Allan Tremblay who told me he understands how I felt. Manny taught me and continues to teach me anything is possible if you believe. He is still in my heart the best boxer ever.”

Julaton took a swipe at fans who denigraded Pacquiao for the loss. “I’m upset at all the people making a mockery out of Manny’s efforts and making fun of his knockout,” she said. “It’s rude as our life is on the line every time we step into the ring. People should not be making fun of that. All of these rude people don’t understand how to say thank you for a great warrior in Manny who is willing to fight every second of every minute in a round.”

Julaton said although she has no fight in the calendar, it doesn’t mean she’s staying away from the gym. “My manager (Angelo Reyes) is always looking for an opponent but it’s been difficult to find someone willing to face me,” said Julaton. “I just keep training, waiting for the chance to regain the world title.”

Reyes said there are three possibilities looming for Julaton. First, she could challenge the winner of the Jan. 25 fight between Yesica Marcos and Marcela Acuna for the WBO/WBA superbantamweight titles in Argentina. Second, she could take on Chantall Martinez in Panama in February.  And third, she could battle Lisa (Bad News) Brown in a grudge rematch in Manila.