Julaton, Brown, K-West, Holm & Hallback In Action

Ana “The Hurricane” Julaton and several of the top female fighters in the world showcase their boxing skills in world title bouts in North America and Europe.

First, California’s Kaliesha West (11-1-1) bangs it out against Denmark’s Anita Christensen (24-1, 8 KOs) on Friday for the WPBF bantamweight title in Kjellerup, Denmark. The bout won’t be televised in the States.

Christensen is the former bantamweight world champion and has not fought in nearly two years since suffering her first and only loss. The classic boxer chose West to prove she still has the skills to combat the best female fighters in the world.

West, 22, has suddenly kicked into another gear with bouts against featherweight slugger Rolanda Andrews and former bantamweight champion Ada Velez. Though still young, the perky bantamweight feels it’s now or never to test the elite waters.

“She’s a good boxer,” said West, who admires the Danish fighter’s accomplishments and the country’s hospitality. “She likes to dictate the pace with her jab.”

Her trainer and father Juan West said that his daughter’s ability to adapt should help her against the polished skills of Christensen.

“Kaliesha can box inside or outside,” said Juan West, who formerly trained Chris “The Nightmare” Arreola. “Plus she has a lot of speed.”

It was her youth and speed that have enabled her to cross into elite territory. The caramel colored West is on the verge of cracking the top 10 category on pound for pound lists should she emerge victorious. As will Christensen. The winner gains tremendously.

Holm and Hallback

Later on the same day, two of the top female fighters pound for pound collide when junior welterweight world champion Holly Holm (26-1-3) meets Chevelle Hallback (27-5-2) at Isleta Casino in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Hallback fought and lost to Holm several years ago but calls it an aberration.

“That was not the real Chevelle Hallback,” said Hallback who lost by unanimous decision to the taller and fleet footed Holm. “She’s good and she beat me, but that wasn’t the real me.”

Holm has steadily accepted fights against the top female fighters in the world between 140 and 154 pounds. The red head has quickly gathered admirers for her ability to beat all comers since 2004. She can fight and is not afraid to prove it.

Hallback’s last loss came to Holm three years ago. The Floridian has good power, good speed and good technique. The last time they met she could not deal with Holm’s ability to get in and out of trouble with her legs. One thing about Hallback is she can win a fight with a single blow. She has that kind of power.

The loser of this fight drops down the rankings of the female pound for pound list. Currently I have Holm ranked number three and Hallback ranked number five. The top spot goes to Melissa Hernandez who was scheduled to fight Holm several months back but a hand wrap issue emerged that postponed the fight. Hernandez won the ruling by the Associated Boxing Commissions. Number two on the P4P list is Layla McCarter.

Julaton and Brown

Another two girls ready to crack the top 10 are Julaton and Lisa “Bad News” Brown who meet on Saturday at Casino Rama in Ontario, Canada. It will not be televised in the States.

Brown and Julaton are fighting for the vacant WBA junior featherweight title. It’s a belt they both seek.

“I haven’t fought a southpaw yet. In amateurs I fought a couple,” said Julaton who lives in Daly City across the San Francisco Bay. “I think Lisa Brown is a great fighter a world class world champion. She is stepping up to fight. It’s an exciting position to be. I always like to be challenged.”

Brown (16-4-3) has the WIBA junior featherweight title but anxiously awaits an opportunity to grab the belt and prove she can beat Julaton who has the WBO and IBA titles. She has a big edge in pro experience and is awkward to fight with her southpaw counterpunching ability.

“I definitely have the advantage with my experience. I’ve fought many of the best fighters,” said Brown who lives in Ontario. I will fight my fight and I will be victorious.”

Julaton (6-1-1) is eager to fight for the WBA belt too. Her goal is to capture all the major titles then go after bigger game. She has and in and out style that complements her speed and stamina. Her primary weapon is a jab and she uses it well.

“I feel blessed to even experience something like this,” said Julaton.

Whoever emerges with the win breaks into the top 10 of female fighters.