Julaton outpoints Mexican, keeps crown

MANILA, Philippines - Ana Julaton whipped up a storm of her own yesterday by outpointing local girl Jessica Villafranca at the Polifuncional Sports Complex in Yucatan, Mexico.

The 31-year-old Julaton used her experience against the 18-year-old Mexican to retain her World Boxing Organization super-bantamweight crown.

Julaton was ahead on all scorecards at the end of 10 rounds – 98-91, 96-93 and 97-92.

But Julaton had to pay the price for the unanimous decision as she suffered a cut on her forehead due to an accidental headbutt.

Julaton often ends up with a cut but successful as she raised her ring record to 10 wins with two losses and a draw.

Two days before the fight, Julaton had the chance to speak with boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao through the phone.

Pacquiao only has one advice to Julaton, and it was for her to use her experience against the young Mexican.

She did.

“I really appreciate Manny giving me his words of advice. Just for him to take time out to talk to me is something special,” she said.

Julaton racked up her third straight victory following a bitter loss to Lissa Brown for the then vacant WBA super-bantamweight (122 lb) crown in March last year.

Then she defeated Maria Elena Villalobos three months later and captured the WBO crown, and posted two more wins over Franchesca Alcanter and Angel Gladney earlier this year.

Villafranca absorbed her fourth loss against a dozen victories, and left a big question mark on her career, all four losses coming in her last six fights.