Julaton dares WBA queen Nava

MANILA, Philippines - Fresh from pounding out a one-sided decision over Mexican knockout artist Yolanda Segura, Fil-Am fighter Ana (Hurricane) Julaton yesterday challenged WBA female superbantamweight champion Jackie Nava to a showdown anytime, anywhere even in her own backyard.

Julaton, 31, had no difficulty hammering Segura who came in four pounds over the limit in their Yucatan duel last Friday. A dangerous puncher with seven knockouts in eight wins, Segura never found the range to bang the elusive Julaton. Segura tried to crowd Julaton and brawl but the Fil-Am used her patented left jab to dictate the pace of the fight from a distance.

It was Julaton’s comeback bout after losing the WBO 122-pound title to Yesica Marcos on points in Argentina last March. Now, Julaton has set her sights on Nava who retained the WBA title via a decision over challenger Diana Ayala in Tijuana last Saturday. Nava, 32, is known as “La Princesa Azteca” and totes a 27-4-3 record, with 11 KOs, compared to Julaton’s 11-3-1, with one KO.

“I’d like to fight Nava next and since she doesn’t like to leave her hometown (Tijuana) to fight, I have no problem fighting Nava in Mexico,” said Julaton quoted by Ryan Maquinana. “That’s the type of fight that would get women’s boxing the spotlight it needs. Philippines versus Mexico has always been a great rivalry for the fans.”

Julaton’s trainer Angelo Reyes said there’s no doubt in his mind Julaton will beat Nava. “Some of the media in Mexico even told us that (promoter) Fernando Beltran would not allow Jackie to fight Ana in Mexico because they can see that it would be difficult for Jackie to win,” Reyes told The Star. “Jackie has been knocked out before. Ana could not only outbox Jackie but should it turn into a war, there is no question that Ana will knock out Jackie. It’s a fight we’re willing to do anywhere in the world and as soon as possible. I hope Jackie’s people will not be afraid of the challenge and make a deal with our promoter Allan Tremblay to make the fight.”

Tremblay, for his part, said he’d like to stage the Julaton-Nava fight in Pangasinan. “There are many locations interested in that fight but I would like to give Ana’s next world title fight to the good people of the Philippines,” said Tremblay. “It’s time for her to have a homecoming event. I hope to do it in her home province of Pangasinan and it will be one of the great events of the year. I’ve been attempting to contact Gov. Amado Espino through his staff and I hope to hear a response soon.”

There is talk that the Julaton-Nava fight might be included in the undercard of a July 14 show at the Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, featuring Juan Manuel Marquez in the main event. 

“I’m confident Ana will win her fourth world title this year,” said Tremblay, referring to Julaton’s previous reigns as WBO and IBA champion. “Ana boxed beautifully against Segura, this is the style that suits her best and I was so very proud of her performance.  She pitched a no-hitter.”

Reyes said Julaton will do to Nava what Muhammad Ali did to Joe Frazier in the Thrilla in Manila. “I believe Ana is an all-around talent,” he said. “Freddie Roach commented that she has so much talent and she hits hard at times but her best attribute is to box. Jackie is also an excellent boxer and often likes to engage. I believe Nava will come after Ana like Frazier did to Ali and Ana will use her speed like Ali. If we’re able to get this fight in the Philippines, it will be the female version of the Thrilla in Manila.”