By Vitali Shaposhnikov: On Friday, February 25, 2011, WBO super bantamweight female champion Ana Julaton (7-2-1) will defend her title against a more seasoned Franchesca Alcanter (18-9-1) of Kansas City, Missouri. The bout will take place in Craneway Pavilion, Point Richmond, California, only a half hour drive from Julaton’s hometown of Daly City, CA.
There are a lot of factors playing into the interest of this very bout. First and foremost, we are looking at yet another up and coming Filipino fighter in Julaton. She is a Filipina by blood, and lives in Daly City, a town with close to forty percent Filipino population. Julaton is trained by an already legendary, and arguably the best boxing trainer of our time, Freddie Roach, who might be in her corner for the bout.
Julaton must feel a lot of weight on her shoulders, as she is the only Filipina female boxer defending a world title. Her countrymen Nonito Donaire and Manny Pacquiao have been nothing but impressive in the recent past, thus many people are looking for her to continue the trend.
Some are saying that Julaton is the next big thing in boxing, as she is a female Filipina champion. With a few successful defenses, she could really make difference in the way Filipinos dominate the sport and the way the media approaches future Filipino boxers.
Like Bob Arum said after the Donaire vs. Montiel bout about the recent success of the Filipino boxers: “there must be something in the water over there!”
While Franchesca Alcanter’s resume and record are not all that impressive, ring experience makes a great deal of difference. Time spend in the ring can give a fighter not only a boost, but also increase their comfort level before and after a fight.
The press conference was held at a local Daly City lounge called Mink Bar. What was interesting, was that the owner Franco Torres, was able to not only create an interesting environment, but made it possible for the local Filipino fans to come and see their idol live. Dozens of fans were scrambling to get an autograph and take a picture with Julaton. People were enjoying their Filipino vodka and beers as teams Julaton and Alcanter were answering questions. This was interesting to see, as I would have never expected a female boxer with such a short resume to have so many die hard fans. The environment itself was also extraordinary, as having a press conference at a lounge rarely happens. Mink Bar will be the host to the weigh in, and of course the official after-party on Sunday, February 27, 2011, and everyone is unquestionably invited to come.
Interview with Ana Julaton / Press Conference Photos
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJi7dUzZ4Bw)
Interview with Mink Bar owner Franco Torres
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=klearxnftHE)