She hits like a girl

For this edition of FoW, we enlist the writing skills of  our friend, Dianne Que.  Dianne works for the nation’s premiere presenter of contemporary and tribal Pilipino art, Kularts. Peep her own blog and cop some of her handmade accessories.

A few weeks ago, Manny Pacquiao solidified his standing as the world’s #1 P4P boxer after handing Ricky the Hitman Hatton a devastating 2nd round knockout, silencing the most raucous of British brass bands. He, along with Pinoy fighters like Nonito Donaire, has garnered the utmost respect in the boxing world and beyond.

While I too revel in the Pacmania, as a female fight fan, its always dope to find women fighters who dominate in their field. MMA’s Gina Carano & Cris Cyborg, Pinay Muay Thai Fighter Christine Toledo, Fight Girls’ favorite-turned-MMA up-and-comer Kerry Vera (married to UFC Pinoy Boy, Brandon Vera), among others have proven that the art of contact sports isn’t just for the boys.

Enter Ana “The Hurricane” Julaton, world-class Pilipina American Boxer.

This 28-year-old Daly City native boasts a 4-1-1 record in her young professional boxing career and is the only female fighter coached by legendary boxing trainer, Freddie Roach, Jr.  She can be seen training at the Hollywood, CA Wild Card Boxing Club furiously hitting the speed bag or working the mitts with Coach Roach himself. In the ring, she applies constant pressure while remaining elusive, a style she employed during her solid amateur career. Though her last professional fight ended in a loss against the Dominican Republic’s heavy-hitter, Dominga Olivo, the Hurricane’s professional career remains promising with her formidable power and fierce determination, along with an unmatched training team in her corner.

Besides Pacquiao and Julaton’s shared heritage and trainer, I’m amazed by something else these fighters have in common - a deep humility, kindness, and all-together cheery disposition outside of the ring. While the Pacman can swiftly and decisively light up Ricky Hatton or toss Boxing’s Golden Boy Oscar de la Hoya into retirement, he can also humbly, ecstatically, and goofily profess, “It’s nothing personal, I’m just doing my job!” Similarly, Ana Julaton’s good looks, bright smile and politeness don’t immediately convey her knock-out power. While these traits definitely make Paquiao and Julaton more “likeable” fighters, I can’t help but theorize that since the colonial days of the “happy native/little brown brother,” Pilipinos have possessed the exceptional ability to disorient their opponents with charm, modesty, and charisma, yet at the drop of a dime slice their throats open with a bolo. Fascinating.

There’s no news of her next bout, but Ana The Hurricane Julaton - a fly, don’t-take-no Pinay competing at a high level in a male-dominated sport - is definitely one to watch out for. So, to answer the double-edged question often asked by my male counterparts, “Is she good?,” the answer is 1) YES, she’s cute, and 2) YES, she will kick your ass.

More on The Hurricane:
1)    Comcast Sportsnet Interview
2)    Summary of Ana’s Boxing Career at 15rounds.com

-Dianne Que

This entry was posted on Thursday, May 28th, 2009 at 11:30 am and is filed under FOBB of the Week, Pil Am Bidness, Sports. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.