Julaton wants to do own version of Ali's 'Thrilla'

Ana "The Hurricane" Julaton, the Philippines' pride in women's professional boxing, is tearing a page from the book of Muhammad Ali. The lovely Filipino-American boxing champion wants to do her own version of “Thrilla In Manila" and plans to fight her next two bouts here. "I would like to fight in the Philippines and be the first Filipina to play in a world-title fight," said Julaton, who holds the World Boxing Organization female super bantamweight title, International Boxing Association female super bantamweight crown and World Boxing Council international female super bantamweight title. Angelo Reyes, Julaton’s manager, said that their camp is planning to put up a September fight. "Ana wants to be active and she plans to fight in September, hopefully here in the Philippines," said Reyes. “And then, Allan Tremblay, our promoter, wants to have a rematch between Ana and Lisa "Bad News" Brown or have a title fight with Marcela Acuña of Argentina." “Allan is also planning to have Ana fighting in London in the near future," added Reyes. Brown won a unanimous decision victory over Julaton during their bout last March at the Casino Rama in Ontario, Canada. Clad in a white long sleeves and slacks, Julaton was given a warm welcome by employees of GMA-7. She was joined in the luncheon by GMA Network Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Atty. Felipe L. Gozon. The lady fighter was also presented a birthday cake – her favorite chocolate flavor -- and flowers. Julaton turned 30 last July 5, few days after her latest victory, a split decision triumph over Maria Elena Villalobos of Mexico. In return, Julaton gave her autographed right Everlast boxing glove to Gozon. "It takes a lot of pride being a champion. But I’m more proud to be Pinay and I’m proud to be Kapuso," said Julaton, whose middle name is Bonifacio, a name that symbolizes courage among Filipinos. "I don’t know if I’m related to our great hero, Andres Bonifacio, but it really feels great to carry that name every time I'm inside the ring," said Julaton, referring to the name Bonifacio printed at the back of her shirt every time he fights in the ring. The lady fighter meets the President At a time when the nation was having its historic moment and serving as witness to the inauguration of the Philippines’ 15th President, Noynoy Aquino last June 30, Julaton was there fighting thousands of miles away from here – a 10-round bout against Villalobos for the vacant WBO super bantamweight crown in Canada. Now, Julaton had the rare chance of meeting the nation’s most powerful figure. At around 3p.m. Monday, Julaton paid a courtesy call to President Aquino in a meeting between the country’s most eligible bachelor and a popular single lady from the sporting world. "I’m very nervous," said Julaton, who will be in the country for the next four days. Julaton paid a courtesy call and was joined by another world champion --newly-crowned World 9-Ball titlist Francisco "Django" Bustamante. The lady boxer presented to President Aquino a pair of Everlast gloves. The country's Chief Executive relayed to Julaton that his father, the late Senator Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr., was also into boxing during his college days. Julaton, Roach to reunite in next fight? People who’ve seen Julaton fight the last five years describe her as the female version of Pinoy boxing icon and pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao. Julaton is proud to be associated with the man called as The People’s Champion, who is also now serving the people of Saranggani as their new congressman. "It’s such a great honor being called as the lady version of Pacquiao. But I feel I need to be different, especially in representing the women," said Julaton. “I believe there’s a lot more I can offer." But Julaton is ready to bring back Pacquiao's favorite trainer, Freddie Roach, who was at the lady boxer's corner when she beat Villalobos. Roach is being considered to handle Julaton in her planned rematch with Brown, a move which is very much welcome to the Fil-Am lady boxer. "Freddie Roach will make a difference in a possible rematch with Lisa," said Julaton. “Freddie is not only an important aspect in my physical training, he was also good in preparing his fighter, mentally. He told me that it doesn’t matter who’s in my corner, but who’s inside the ring." - OMG, GMANews.TV