Ana ?Hurricane? Julaton Wins Third World Title

Ana ?The Hurricane? Julaton recaptured the WBO junior featherweight title with a closely fought victory over Mexico?s Maria Villalobos last week in Canada. Now she is flying to meet the Philippine president.

It really is exciting,? said Julaton.

Unafraid to fight outside of California, Julaton (7-2-1) scored her third world title last Wednesday at the Casino Rama in Ontario, Canada. The pretty brunette firecracker won by split decision against Villalobos (6-4) in a fight that was televised nationally in that country.

?When I was walking in the airport people were walking up to me to tell me they say my fight,? said Julaton. ?It was kind of surprising.?

The Mexican girl was not a mere prop for Julaton as both squared off for 10 rounds. In some instances blows were thrown after the bell that ignited the Filipina fighter to retaliate.

?You know Ana,? said Angelo Reyes, who advises Julaton. ?When she gets mad she just wants to throw punches.?

Trainer Freddie Roach calmed her down and got her back on track.

?He doesn?t say anything right away,? said Julaton about Roach. ?Freddie waits a while then he tells me calmly what to do. He?s very smart.?

It was a furious battle that saw Julaton emerge victorious behind her boxing skills that convinced two judges in her favor 96-94 twice with one judge favoring Villalobos 97-94.

?She was a very good fighter,? said Julaton. ?We expected her to be very aggressive.?

After the fight Villalobos, who lost a decision to WBC junior featherweight titleholder Marcela Acuna in April, said Julaton was the more difficult fighter.

?I didn?t expect that,? Julaton said. ?It makes me feel confident.?

Julaton will be spending the next week in the Philippines meeting dignitaries and enjoying her very first visit to the island nation. Her birthday is Monday.

A number of opportunities await Julaton including a possible bout with Acuna, Lisa Brown or a rematch with Villalobos.

?We want to fight in the Philippines,? said Reyes adding that the event would be televised throughout the Philippines and in the U.S. too. ?It?s what we?ve been working for.?

Team Julaton will be taking a short break to sort through the various options available and hoping to crack American television too. A different hurricane will be setting in the Philippines this week.

?I?m a little nervous,? said Julaton.