It’s been four years since we last interviewed Filipina Boxing sensation Ana
It’s been four years since we last interviewed Filipina Boxing sensation Ana “The Hurricane” Julaton. Since then, she has fought Kelsey Jeffries in San Jose, California, Lisa Brown in Canada, Jessica Villafranca in Mexico and Yesica Marcos in Argentina.
Ana “The Hurricane” Julaton takes another step toward a title comeback when she faces Celina Salazar on Aug. 17 at Plaza de Toros in Cancun, Mexico. This former WBO and IBA women’s super bantamweight titlist has won her last two fights, beating Yolanda Segura by unanimous decision and Abigail Ramos by first-round technical knockout last year both in Yucatan, Mexico.
The fight will be televised by Televisa, Fox Sports and Fox Deportes although no local TV network has picked it up yet.
Julaton is the only notable fighter outside the Big 3, although the country has three reigning champs in WBO light flyweight Donnie Nietes, IBF light fly Johnriel Casimero and WBO minimum weight Merlito Sabillo.
ASIANCE: What has changed in your life since our last interview with you?
Ana: A lot has changed! I’ve WON 3 World Championships, I’ve met the President of the Philippines, I’ve set records in Canada, Fought in Front of 40,000 people in Argentina, I’ve defended my Titles in Mexico & I’ve had a parade in the Philippines. I now also have a TOPPS Athlete Card you can find if your a collector. I tried media work and interviewed some Greats in our sport, inlcuding a One-on-One interview with FLOYD MAYWEATHER. So many wonderful experiences that I talk about with my fans and supporters when they visit my site Anajulaton.com
The way the fight will end, depends on what mindset Pacquiao brings to the fight. I believe the Best Manny Pacquiao will beat Brandon Rios, so it’s going to be a “wait and see” come November.
ASIANCE: What has changed in your training since our last interview with you?
Ana: The training has been more and more intense every year that went by since we last spoke August 2009. I train in Las Vegas now mainly because of the HEAT as I’ve fought in outdoor Arena’s in Central & South America the past 2 years.
ASIANCE: How are you preparing for your upcoming fight?
Ana: Training is fantastic here in Las Vegas. The heat reaches 120 degrees Fahrenheit, which is why I’ve been training here since 2011 to help prepare me for Mexico’s weather, when I fight outdoors. I am both anxious and humbled that I have a great team that supports me through the ups and downs of my career. Orion Sports Management CEO, Allan Tremblay (my promoter), as you know, has been battling cancer and he has stood by my side. My Coach/Advisor, Angelo Reyes, has been there with me every step of the way. I feel my power punching has been developing more. On my last fight, I scored the fastest KO in Yucatan history–17 seconds. We’ll see what happens on August 17th. I have great sparring partners and amazing support from so many people. In fact, NBA Champion (he won w/ the MIAMI HEAT) Ronny Turiaf, who now plays for the Minnessota Timberwolves. His team of IVC Global Management flew down to watch and support me during my training on Tuesday and Wednesday. I had Ronny do some boxing workouts so he can feel what it’s like first hand. Ronny said he’ll be coming to watch my fight in Cancun August 17th.”
Ana Julaton Hurricane Highlights
ASIANCE: What are your thoughts on Manny Pacquiao? Will he beat Rios?
Ana: I was actually a guest analyst for the Rios vs Alvarado fight in Las Vegas earlier this year for the Boxing Channel with Al Bernstein. I know from seeing him live that Brandon Rios is a strong puncher with a huge “CHIN”. Manny Pacquiao, at his best, is an amazing site to see. The way the fight will end, depends on what mindset Pacquiao brings to the fight. I believe the Best Manny Pacquiao will beat Brandon Rios, so it’s going to be a “wait and see” come November. It will be an entertaining fight for sure.
ASIANCE: What are your thoughts on Amir Khan?
Ana: Amir Khan seems like he is trying to “find himself” in the Ring. His last fight was a tough test and we’ll see if he can become one of the elite fighters again. The KO loss from Danny Garcia may still be lingering in his mind. Boxing, without a doubt, is a tough sport, physically and mentally.
Times have changed and I wouldn’t be surprised if the next generation of fighters comes from Asia AND are women/young girls.
ASIANCE: What has been your significant accomplishment thus far?
Ana: I think staying true to the game and still being one of the elite fighters in the SPORT has been my greatest accomplishment so far. As a woman boxer in a male dominated sport and being able to have as much success as I’ve had (where I beat TV ratings of fighters that have been on HBO & SHOWTIME) and to have so many supporters around the World rooting for me to continue to be a trailblazer in this sport. And to continue on strong despite the ups and downs and politics of the sport…I believe that’s my greatest accomplishment so far.
ASIANCE: Has Freddie Roach taught you anything different over these last few years since we spoke to you?
Ana: I am no longer coached by Freddie Roach. I recently saw him in May– I gave a speech in his induction to the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame. NVBHF President Rich Marotta asked me to introduce Freddie to the guests in attendance, since I was his 28th World Champion.
I definitely learned a great deal from Freddie and his system of fighting. Like Bruce Lee, I believe there is no one style that can be dominant. It’s best to take from everything you learn in fighting to what suits you best. I continued to refine my craft over the past few years and now I have my own style of Boxing.
ASIANCE: Who has been your toughest opponent thus far?
Ana: I’d say…My biggest opponent is ME. Boxing, at the highest level, is a mental sport. Training for a fight challenges me on a daily basis where I constantly have to ask myself “How much do I want to win?”. I’m convinced when I’ve pushed myself to my potential and because of this, boxing has become a way of life for me. It’s physically and emotionally demanding and it takes everything from me. I have to be at my best. And at my best, no one can beat me.
ASIANCE: Are there any upcoming Asian/Asian American boxers that you think we should keep our eye out for?
Ana: The Philippines Amateur women’s boxing team is, in my opinion, some of the most dedicated, talented athletes in the world. One of the team’s female boxers, Josie Gabuco, took 1st place at the Asian Games this year by beating China’s 2012 Olympic boxing Silver medalist, Ren Cancan. Unfortunately, the Philippines amateur women’s boxing team did not compete in the London Olympics. In my heart, I believe that team would have brought the Philippines’ the first gold medal. On top of that, more and more Asian women and girls are taking up the sport of boxing. Currently, there’s a young girl from the Philippines who has a youtube video of herself boxing (and she throws them quite viciously) and calls herself ‘the next Ana Julaton.’ Times have changed and I wouldn’t be surprised if the next generation of fighters comes from Asia AND are women/young girls.
ASIANCE: What are you most nervous about in your upcoming fight?
Ana: I’m not really thinking about Salazar. I am focusing on fighting my style on August 17th and they could put anyone in front of me. Alcanter, Gladney, Villafranca, Marcos, Segura, Ramos all tasted my renewed punching power that I’ve been working on with Coach Angelo Reyes. So I am really focused on our game plan. We’ll see how it goes August 17th. I can only tell you that in all my fights, I bring excitement in the ring!! I want to inspire people that they can do anything and be anything as long as they believe in themselves. It is my duty to share with the world that it’s important to be a positive person by being the best example I can be inside and outside the ring. I am happy to have a stage again to do this.
ASIANCE: Anything else that you would like to add?
Ana: I am excited and very appreciative to Golden Boy Promotions in particular, Eric Gomez and Richard Schaefer, for partnering with Orion Sports Management’s Allan Tremblay and for believing in me! They are giving me an opportunity to fight in what I feel is like another “HOME” for me. I’m able to fight in front of my friends and fans in Yucatan, Mexico. I have fought here the past two years and the Yucateca’s and Mexico has treated me as one of their own. I am honored to fight there and on August 17th, I guarantee an entertaining fight for everyone. If Yazmin Rivas is next for September 14th on the undercard of Mayweather vs Canelo, then I’ll be ready! I want to fight for the World Championship as soon as possible!!! (Article Referrence http://www.fighthype.com/news/article14740.html )
I hope all my Kababayans all over the World will be able to watch my fight and especially back home in Pangasinan and all over the Philippines. I am not sure yet who will be airing it to our community. Televisa, FOX DEPORTES & FOX SPORTS are all great networks but I’m not sure these networks are shown to the Philippine Community globally. Wherever my fight will be shown, I carry the Pride of all Filipina’s with me Around the World.
ASIANCE: What advice do you have for wannabe girl fighters!
Ana: Fighting is a tough business–physically and emotionally, so explore everything you can about the sport and decide how much you are willing to commit yourself to the lifestyle. If you want to go “all in”, believe in yourself and ignore the naysayers–and beware, the naysayers come in all shapes and sizes and may be from those you know and care about. Don’t be afraid of the word “No” when striving for opportunities in the sport. Just stay humble and focused, be persistent and continue to better yourself. If you stick it out long enough, the “No’s” will one day become a “Yes”. Fighting takes a lot of commitment, just like many things in life. If you decide otherwise, the fighting arts are fun workouts and can be a great discipline for fans.
ASIANCE: Have you picked up any other sports such as yoga, or any other sports to one up your competition?
Ana: For me, boxing is mental. The physical aspect in professional sports, in my opinion, is just the basics. Elite athletes not only train hard for a competition, it’s their livelihood. Boxing is second nature to me. To supplement my training, I surround myself with awesome, positive, strong-minded people, read books, watch documentaries, read biographies, etc., and above all, have plenty of rest and FUN. It’s about having a balanced life.
Photo Credit to AnaJulaton.com