Pinoy pride soared anew when Ana "The Hurricane" Julaton was crowned as the new World Boxing Organization (WBO) Female Super Bantamweight champ. This came after a split decision during her fight with Maria Elena Villalobos of Mexico last Sunday, June 30 (Monday, Manila time) at the Casino Rama, in Ontario, Canada.
It was an emphatic win for Julaton who traces her roots to Pozzorubio, Pangasinan, as she earns her third world title.
Pinoy boxing afficionados will get the chance to see the exciting fight and witness Julaton bag her third belt, when GMA Network airs Laban Ng Pinay this Sunday, July 18, at 11:10 am via GMA Network nationwide.
Watch how Julaton, after surviving Villalobos's dominance early in the bout, employed her fine jabs, footwork and agile body movements, making it quite hard for the Mexican to totally dominate the fight.
Two judges ruled in Julaton's favor, 96-94, while the other favored Villalobos, 97-94.
The Hurricane—who is back under the tutelage of Freddie Roach—now tots a 7-2-2, win-loss-draw record.
"I'm seeing my opponent as someone who's prepared, someone who's hungry to win, who's come here to fight. I'm game," Julaton said.
Her coach Freddie Roach, meanwhile, expressed delight in Julaton's passion for the game.
"Her workout is great. She comes to my gym every day. She is very dedicated," noted the legendary coach.
With this victory, Julaton redeemed herself after suffering from a unanimous decision loss at the hands of Lisa Brown last March 27, which was shown on GMA Network and GMA Pinoy TV.
Catch Laban ng Pinay: Julaton vs. Villalobos on Saturday, July 18, at 11:10 am, on GMA Network with a replay over at Q Channel 11 at 10:30pm.