Two Filipino boxers fought in the undercard feature at the Planet Hollywood resort and Casino in Las Vegas last July 5, 2008.
After her knock out victory over Rita Valentini of Canada, Anna Julaton went back into the ring to fight 18-year-old Johanna Mendez of Houston, Texas.
“Everyone keeps asking me about the pressure. I have Manny Pacquiao?s trainer, Freddy Roach coming in here and he is with me in every fight. Everyone is always billing it as if I was the female Manny Pacquiao,” said Julaton.
The two undefeated female fighters fought six rounds in the Super Bantamweight Women?s Division.
“She doesn?t really throw straight punches she throws wild punches, my speed or that I box coz I move a lot, we watch her previous fights,” said Mendez.
Julaton relied on body shots, right punches, and a skillful defense but, in the second round she suffered a head butt.
Despite the bleeding in her right eye, Julaton was determined to finish the six round-fight.
But Mendez found several openings for her uppercuts.
“When she comes forward, and when she puts her pressure she always had her head down,” Mendez said.
The fight ended in a draw with a split decision from the three judges.
Julaton was disappointed.
“I would?ve been happier with the win, a draw people would say that it?s not a win it?s not a loss so, I?m still considered undefeated,” she said.
“It is a very close fight. She has a very difficult style, counterpunching. I thought Anna was the aggressive, one judge gave her five rounds she?s the one that make it happen, usually the aggressive but that?s the way it goes. It?s like Manny Pacquiao fighting Marquez, difficult style to punches hard to fight sometimes, it?s a learning experience,” said Roach.
Another Pinoy boxer Glen Gonzales of North Cotabato defeated Robert Daluz of New York in their featherweight fight.
The 22-year old Gonzales won by unanimous decision.
“Gagawin ko ang lahat para maging world champion,” said Gonzales.
“Glen Gonzales is the first boxer from North Cotabato to come to Las Vegas and fight is already a win, on a bigger scale. Glen Gonzales? win signal the entry of outstanding Filipino boxers into world boxing scene,” said his manager Manny Pi?ol. Reports from Bev Llorente, ABS-CBN News Las Vegas
