Julaton fights for legacy

MANILA, Philippines - Fil-Am fighter Ana (Hurricane) Julaton has a load on her mind because there’s a lot at stake when she takes on San Antonio’s Celina Salazar in a 10-round title eliminator in Cancun this morning (Manila time).

Julaton, 33, isn’t just concerned about beating Salazar which is her priority. She’s being rumored to challenge IBF bantamweight queen Yazmin Rivas of Mexico in the undercard of the Floyd Mayweather-Saul (Canelo) Alvarez mainer in Las Vegas on Sept. 14 and if that bout pushes through, it will bring the Hurricane back in serious business after losing the WBO superbantamweight crown to Yesica Marcos in Argentina last year. There’s also the legacy issue as Julaton hopes to become a three-time world champion in cementing her place as a legend in Philippine ring history. And Julaton is determined to bring Philippine boxing back on track in the wake of successive losses by Manny Pacquiao, Brian Viloria and Nonito Donaire Jr. Finally, she wants to make a major impact in restoring the popularity of women’s boxing as a mainstream media sport.

That’s more than a plateful for Julaton but she’s ready to get the job done. The other day, she scaled 123.5 pounds and Salazar, 122.6 during the weigh-in at the Grand Oasis Hotel in Cancun. The agreed weight limit was 124. Julaton said she can’t wait to end a year-long layoff from the ring, a vacation induced by fighters avoiding her. Losing isn’t an option for Julaton who realizes only a win will keep her legacy dream alive. It’s a must-win situation for the Fil-Am who’s coming off back-to-back wins over Yolanda Segura and Abigail Ramos. If she beats Salazar, Julaton may be back in action against Rivas within a month.

Julaton promised fireworks when she battles Salazar who boasts of a one-round knockout win over Desiree Agosto in Tampa last year. Julaton herself chalked up a one-round knockout victory, disposing of Ramos in 19 seconds, in her last fight. Although not known as a heavy hitter, Julaton has lately developed power in her punches and it’s led to a new nickname “Sharknado,” a takeoff from the movie where man-eating sharks are scooped out of the sea and deposited on the streets of Los Angeles.

Julaton’s long-time trainer Angelo Reyes, also a Fil-Am, said Salazar is not patsy. “Celina will come to bring her A+ game,” he said. “Look for this to be every bit as tough a challenge for Ana as the (Franchesca) Alcanter title defense.” Julaton outpointed Alcanter in a grueling 10-round battle two years ago. “Other female boxers at the world championship level were offered to fight Ana in Cancun but they turned it down,” continued Reyes. “Celina happily accepted the fight. I think Ana is the most feared female fighter today but Celina apparently doesn’t think so. She was an outstanding boxer as an amateur and had a winning record with 45 fights before turning pro.” Salazar, 24, has age on her side while Julaton will lean on her experience as a two-time world champion.

Julaton and Reyes arrived in Cancun last Thursday after a one-day visit to San Francisco from their home base in Las Vegas. Reyes said the fight will be shown by Televisa throughout South and Central America, Fox Deportes and Fox Sports through North America and WOWOW in Japan. The main event features WBC superfeatherweight champion Takashi Miura of Japan defending the throne against Mexico’s Sergio (Yeyo) Thompson in a 12-rounder.

“I’m ready to put it down,” said Julaton. “I’m a full-time fighter, it’s what I do. I work hard to prepare for every fight, to go to the stage and show the world what women’s boxing is all about. The torch is passed and now, it’s our turn to put the sport back in the mainstream. It’s an honor to be part of Philippine boxing history. I’ve challenged myself to keep up with Manny who has paved the way for all Filipino fighters to be recognized all over the world. It’s a lifetime experience for me to watch Manny become everyone’s hero. I’ve grown trying to keep up. Because of my martial arts background, I’ve learned to show respect and earn respect, let the people know who you are in the gym. I’m fighting for Filipino honor and pride.”

Looking forward, Julaton said nothing is certain about fighting Rivas in the Mayweather-Salazar undercard. “As far as I know, it’s just a rumor,” she said. “But I think it’s great that my name is out there in the mix, getting talked about in the hype for the big fight. That decision of fighting Rivas will soon be made. All I can tell you is I’m focused on my fight against Salazar. If you’re thinking Sept. 14 is too soon to fight again, keep in mind I won my last fight via knockout in 19 seconds in the first round, the fastest in Yucatan history.”

Julaton, who traces her roots to Pangasinan, said her dream is to someday fight in the Philippines if only it could be arranged. “Being a female boxer during this time, being able to see the invisible momentum that’s happening in the US is really something,” she said quoted by Kelsey McCarson. “I feel like all women need to do today is just stay strong, keep a positive attitude, be around a lot of positive people and just work the path. You have to be willing to take risks because no one will know who you are unless you have someone who can take you to the next level.”

Julaton’s climb back to the top begins this morning and if she beats Salazar, it could lead to a world title shot in the Mayweather-Alvarez undercard and ultimately, a ring appearance here to establish her legacy as a Pinay warrior.