SAN FRANCISCO, California: Fast-rising Fil-American phenom Ana ?The Hurricane? Julaton will face Dominga Olivo of the Dominican Republic Thursday night for the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC) International super bantamweight title at the Tachi Palace Hotel and Casino in Lemoore, California.
Julaton, the unbeaten prot?g? of world pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao, is seeking to become the first Filipina?and the first female American?to win the WBC international super bantamweight crown, on just her sixth fight since turning pro eight months ago.
?I?m excited, and I?m ready for this title shot,? Julaton said during a break in training at the West Wind Gym on University Avenue in Berkeley.
She said training camp started soon after her last fight in the first week of July at the famous Wild Card Gym in Hollywood under renowned American trainer Freddie Roach. Julaton is the only female fighter of Roach, trainer of Manny Pacquiao since 2001.
The daughter of Filipino parents from Daly City, the 27-year-old Julaton is considered as the female Manny Pacquiao because of her speed, power and ring finesse reminiscent of the Filipino four-division world champion.
Roach said Julaton ?is in very good shape? and would ready for the big fight Thursday night.
?We know we have a real tough girl in front of us,? said Roach, referring to Olivo. ?But I think Ana can out box her and win the title.?
Roach, a three-time trainer of the year, said a win on Thursday for the international title would position Julaton for a world title shot late this year or early next year.
Julaton (4-0-1, one by KO) and currently ranked 12th WBC contender, while the dangerous Olivo, currently No. 6 in the WBC super featherweight division, has won eight of 11 professional fights. Olivo?s only losses were inflicted by undefeated 135-lbs star Chika Nakamura,World Boxing Association lightweight champion Laya McCarter and IWBF super bantamweight champion Ela Nu?ez (ranked No. 2 by WBC).
Julaton started as a martial arts student, learning Kwok-Po Tai Kwon Dao and other forms for nearly 13 years under Keith Sheppard in Berkeley, California. She was introduced to boxing by her manager Angelo Reyes four years ago, at the same time as Sheppard.
During her three-year career as an amateur, Julaton was one of the best in the women?s featherweight division, winning the silver medal in the 2007 US Women?s National Championships and gaining a No. 2 ranking overall.
Julaton dreamed of competing in the Olympics, fighting 35 amateur fights in the vain hope of seeing action this year in Beijing. But when the International Olympic Committee continued to sit on proposals to introduce women?s boxing as an official Olympic sport, Julaton heeded Roach?s suggestion to turn professional.
Since turning pro, Julaton won four straight fights in impressive fashions. In her first fight, she defeated Rita Valentini, a top-20 ranked fighter, and outclassed Carly Batey, a Top 10 contender in her next bout.
In her third fight in March, Julaton had to adapt in style against 5?10? Clara de la Torre, relying on excellent footwork, quick combinations, and a powerful uppercut to beat her much bigger opponent.
Julaton?s fourth win was a devastating knockout win over Mexican American Salina Jordan 37 seconds into the first round on June 26 at the Tachi Palace Casino and Hotel.
Ten days later, she fought to a disputed draw against fellow US amateur standout Johana Mendez, a crafty Mexican American, whose counter-punching style seemed to neutralize Julaton?s speed and power.
