Our very own Super Pinay Ana the Hurricane Julaton makes a successful ONE FC debut w TKO victory over Egyptian Aya-Saeid Saber. The historic fight was during ONE FC: Rise of Heroes at the Mall of Asia Arena last May 2, 2014. Photo by Jude Bautista

Written and photographed
By Jude Bautista

Most Filipinos know Ana ‘The Hurricane’ Julaton as a WBO women’s boxing champ. She’s probably the most heralded Pinay boxer in recent memory. The ONE FC fight against Aya-Sayeid Saber however, was dangerous for a lot of reasons. The transition from boxing to mixed martial arts is not always easy. Saber is a long time kickboxing champion with extensive training from Egyptian Top Team.

Aya-Saeid Saber is an Egyptian Kickboxing Champion with more MMA experience than Ana Julaton. The historic fight was during ONE FC: Rise of Heroes at the Mall of Asia Arena last May 2, 2014

Saber has years of MMA experience over Julaton, which proves to be the undoing of most pro boxers who get into the cage. Even heavyweight champ James ‘Lights Out’ Toney was mercifully choked out after being ground and pounded by legend Randy Couture.

Ana Julaton trained in martial arts as a kid, but only fought professionally as a boxer. The historic fight was during ONE FC: Rise of Heroes at the Mall of Asia Arena last May 2, 2014

Acquiring the necessary wrestling skills to successfully defend the takedown doesn’t come in months, especially when you go against fighters who’ve been in the cage for years perfecting their ground game. Not a lot of people know that Julaton was trained in Asian martial arts like tae kwon do, kenpo karate, and jiu jitsu even before she got into boxing.

Julaton lands vicious left hook on Saber’s body. The historic fight was during ONE FC: Rise of Heroes at the Mall of Asia Arena last May 2, 2014. Photo is from screen grab of ONE FC video.

Early in the first round it was evident that Julaton had the heavier hands with merciless body shots. And she’d push Saber up the cage to get into the clinch. Then came the inevitable trip by Saber taking the fight to the ground. After the ref stands them up, Saber would take advantage of her Muay Thai punishing Julaton with leg kicks. Ana would answer with body shots and a judo sweep. Saber would reverse the position and land elbows from top. Ana suffered swelling on her forehead from the elbows of the deadly Egyptian.

Saber gets takedown in the first and in the second round locks in a deadly guillotine on Ana Julaton. The historic fight was during ONE FC: Rise of Heroes at the Mall of Asia Arena last May 2, 2014.

Aya Saeid Saber goes for a takedown on Ana Julaton. The historic fight was during ONE FC: Rise of Heroes at the Mall of Asia Arena last May 2, 2014. Photo by Jude Bautista

Aya Saeid Saber lands on top of Julaton on Resort’s World logo and lands ground & pound early in the fight. The historic fight was during ONE FC: Rise of Heroes at the Mall of Asia Arena last May 2, 2014. Photo is from screen grab of ONE FC video.

By the second round Saber knew she could not stand up with Julaton so she aggressively went for the takedown. By the 2:40 mark Ana was able to get a reversal, in the process Saber locks in a lethal choke. The thousands of Pinoys at the MOA arena collectively held their breaths thinking this would be the end for our star boxer. Referee Oliver Coste was already crouching down to Ana’s face inches from the ground to see if she was still conscious. Her hands were active, face contorted, teeth gritting down showing she was ok and was trying to get out of it.

Angelo Reyes is the long time trainer of Ana ‘The Hurricane’ Julaton instructing her in the corner. The historic fight was during ONE FC: Rise of Heroes at the Mall of Asia Arena last May 2, 2014. Photo is from screen grab of ONE FC video.

Ana the Hurricane Julaton lands left hook on Saber during ONE FC: Rise of Heroes at the Mall of Asia Arena last May 2, 2014. Photo by Jude Bautista

Aya-Saeid Saber locks in a lethal guillotine on Ana Julaton right on top of RWM logo. The historic fight was during ONE FC: Rise of Heroes at the Mall of Asia Arena last May 2, 2014

It may have been the longest 15 seconds of her life, until her head popped out. The crowd went wild and knew Ana was ok. Saber suddenly grabbed her arm going for an arm bar. Out of nowhere Ana pulls her up, lifts her own legs to stand briefly and slams Saber to the ground. The Egyptian holds on to the arm for dear life so Ana pulls her back up again, stands up and slams Saber down the canvas another 2 times. Just then the ring sounds to end the round. The crowd cheers insanely for the incredible display of heart and physical strength of a Pinay.

Aya-Saeid Saber locks in a lethal guillotine on Ana Julaton right on top of RWM logo. The historic fight was during ONE FC: Rise of Heroes at the Mall of Asia Arena last May 2, 2014

Julaton landed vicious ground and pound on Saber during ONE FC: Rise of Heroes at the Mall of Asia Arena last May 2, 2014. Photo by Jude Bautista

The 3rd round the Egyptian immediately went for the takedown. With the wrestling of Julaton, she was again able to get a reversal. But the Egyptian was able to lock in another deadly guillotine. This time when Julaton got out and was on top she landed hammer fists swiftly on the face of Saber. Referee Coste gave Saber every chance to defend herself. He waited for 10 more unanswered punches before he had to pull Julaton off giving the Filipina a TKO win.

Ref Oliver Coste pulls Ana Julaton off Aya Saeid Saber to stop vicious ground and pound earning Julaton the TKO win. The historic fight was during ONE FC: Rise of Heroes at the Mall of Asia Arena last May 2, 2014.

Ref Oliver Coste pulls Ana Julaton off Aya Saeid Saber to stop vicious ground and pound earning Julaton the TKO win. The historic fight was during ONE FC: Rise of Heroes at the Mall of Asia Arena last May 2, 2014.

Having won both the WBO and IBA titles, the first Filipina to do so, she now eyes the ONE FC belt. “I’d love to be the first Filipina ONE FC Champion. For me I feel like that will be a dream come true. Just to be the first Filipina World boxing champion and the first Filipina ONE FC Champion will be the ultimate test for me. So I look forward to that.” The ONE FC league has grown with such renown that their contingent was quite large. They were billeted in Maxims Hotel, Marriot Hotel and Remington Hotel all located in the vicinity of Resort’s World Manila.

Left: Ed Folayang lands vicious left hook on the durable Boku. The fight was during ONE FC: Rise of Heroes at the Mall of Asia Arena last May 2, 2014. Photo by Jude Bautista

left: Pinay fighter Jujeath Nagaowa overwhelmed Jeet Toshi of India w a barrage of punches to the body, FPJ style. Referee Oliver Coste had to stop the fight. The historic fight was during ONE FC: Rise of Heroes at the Mall of Asia Arena last May 2, 2014. Photo by Jude Bautista

Julaton was not the only Filipina who won last May 2, 2014 in ONE FC Rise of Heroes. Jujeath Nagaowa also had a TKO victory over 7x kickboxing champion Jeet Toshi of India. ONE FC Bantamweight Champion Bibiano Fernandes retained his belt against Masakatsu Ueda by decision. Co main event, Eduoard Folayang defeated Kotetsu Boku. Pinoy fighters Rey Docyogen and Eugene Toquero won over Josh Alvarez and Gianni Subba respectively.

left: Pinoy Rey Docyogen and Josh Alvarez of Guam had powerful exchanges during the stand up battle. The fight was during ONE FC: Rise of Heroes at the Mall of Asia Arena last May 2, 2014. Photo by Jude Bautista

Ana Julaton trained in martial arts as a kid, but only fought professionally as a boxer. The historic fight was during ONE FC: Rise of Heroes at the Mall of Asia Arena last May 2, 2014

The Hurricane was happy to fight in ONE FC, “You just don’t know what to expect with me bringing my game in the ONE FC stage. We have a million people viewership I feel like everything’s at stake whether it’s a title fight or not. This girl was a veteran; she has a lot of confidence. Any fighter who has confidence no matter what their background is a dangerous person. So for me I’m just glad to have this opportunity to come out with the win.”

Aya Saeid Saber was looking better in between rounds. The historic fight was during ONE FC: Rise of Heroes at the Mall of Asia Arena last May 2, 2014. Photo is from screen grab of ONE FC video.

Ana Julaton trained in martial arts as a kid, but only fought professionally as a boxer. The historic fight was during ONE FC: Rise of Heroes at the Mall of Asia Arena last May 2, 2014

As much as we notice her physical strength and skills, it’s her composure that got her through the lethal guillotine of Saber, “The important thing is that I stay levelheaded, stay focused. In my corner they told me what to do. Despite the ups and downs in the fight, its all about me and know that I’m in control. I’m in control of myself, just believe in yourself you know you worked hard and just continue on.”

right: former Miami HEAT center Ronnie Turiaf in the corner of Ana the Hurricane Julaton. The historic fight was during ONE FC: Rise of Heroes at the Mall of Asia Arena last May 2, 2014. Photo by Jude Bautista

Aya Saeid Saber was looking better in between rounds. The historic fight was during ONE FC: Rise of Heroes at the Mall of Asia Arena last May 2, 2014. Photo is from screen grab of ONE FC video.

There were also a few adjustments from what she was used to in boxing, “She had 5 fights over me. It’s a different pace. I’m used to 2 minutes in the turnaround period for boxing. This is a five-minute pace, with 2 minute breaks in between. So it’s a different game, the set ups are different. It’s a cage rather than a boxing ring. There are a lot of things I need to be versatile on. I just can’t wait to get back into camp.”

Ana Julaton trained in martial arts as a kid, but only fought professionally as a boxer. The historic fight was during ONE FC: Rise of Heroes at the Mall of Asia Arena last May 2, 2014

Ana Julaton had the heavier hands prompting Aya-Saeid Saber to shot for the takedowns. The historic fight was during ONE FC: Rise of Heroes at the Mall of Asia Arena last May 2, 2014. Photo by Jude Bautista

Being a Filipino and a woman has had its own set of challenges in combat sports, “The only reason why I’ve been called the hurricane just so people can get my name right. There’s always been an uphill battle for me being a female in a male dominated sport. From here on out ONE FC gave me a tremendous opportunity. I’m so thankful for it and its not gonna be a walk in the park and I know that. ONE FC is all about true fighters. For me, that’s the ultimate challenge in that.”

They called her ‘The Hurricane’ because they had a hard time pronouncing Julaton—‘J’ is pronounced as ‘H’ –HULATON. The historic fight was during ONE FC: Rise of Heroes at the Mall of Asia Arena last May 2, 2014

Ana Julaton trained in martial arts as a kid, but only fought professionally as a boxer. The historic fight was during ONE FC: Rise of Heroes at the Mall of Asia Arena last May 2, 2014

Ana Julaton loves fighting in her hometown the Philippines; she’s fought in so many more hostile crowds abroad. The historic fight was during ONE FC: Rise of Heroes at the Mall of Asia Arena last May 2, 2014. Photo is from screen grab of ONE FC video.

The chance to fight and win here in the Philippines has been a special blessing, “I feel like in the next bout I’m always going to get an uproar. Everyone’s going to be calling me out and stuff like that. Which is why I’m so happy to have a fight here in the Philippines. Its so nice to have people backing you supporting you. I’m so used to go into different countries and having wana see me get annihilated. It was nice to have that change and pick me up and just help me out. I’m really thankful for the opportunity to fight here.”

top left: Trainer Angelo Reyes carries Julaton in jubilation, Ronnie Turiaf does the same before her hand was raised. The historic fight was during ONE FC: Rise of Heroes at the Mall of Asia Arena last May 2, 2014

Julaton gets her hand raised in her MMA debut. The historic fight was during ONE FC: Rise of Heroes at the Mall of Asia Arena last May 2, 2014. Photo is from screen grab of ONE FC video.

Early in her boxing career she credits Freddie Roach as a big influence. Long time striking coach and trainer Angelo Reyes was in Ana’s corner. Chris Ben of Xtreme Couture was also in her camp to work on her wrestling. Chris Ben also trains women’s MMA pioneer Gina Carano. It was important for all those knowledgeable people to share their experience with her, “They’ve been so supportive and they kept warning me. This is an open thing for you. This is a battlefield. You gotta be ready for anything. So Monday through Saturday all I do is go sparring 2-3 times a day. You have to be ready for someone who wants to take me to the ground. What’s the position? Someone’s trying to box me. What’s the position? When they cut off the cage I gotta be ready.” Carano is set to fight UFC Women’s Bantamweight champ Ronda Rousey this July.

Julaton bows to the crowd after getting the TKO win against Saber. Behind her is trainer Angelo Reyes and for Miami Heat Ronnie Turiaf. The historic fight was during ONE FC: Rise of Heroes at the Mall of Asia Arena last May 2, 2014. Photo by Jude Bautista

former MIAMAI HEAT Center Ronnie Turiaf lifts Anna Julaton in victory. The historic fight was during ONE FC: Rise of Heroes at the Mall of Asia Arena last May 2, 2014. Photo by Jude Bautista

NBA champ Ronnie Turiaf who played for the HEAT was also in her corner as special friend and supporter. Julaton describes how important he was to her, “It’s amazing. This guy is all heart literally. Don’t get me wrong it was a tough camp, really tough. It’s a new weight division for me. I had to worry bout that. I had to worry about the game plan. I have to worry about new arsenal and being versatile in it. Its very easy to go up and down with your mind. It’s all about being able to stay levelheaded the whole time. One thing that Ronnie was able to bring me was a lot of perspective. I really appreciate that he’s a champion as well. He won the NBA championship with Spoelstra, Miami Heat. So its good to have a champion in your corner.” We beg to disagree Ana. Ronnie isn’t the only one with heart. You’re the one who displayed it in your fight. Ana Julaton is PURE HEART.

Ana Julaton trained in martial arts as a kid, but only fought professionally as a boxer. The historic fight was during ONE FC: Rise of Heroes at the Mall of Asia Arena last May 2, 2014

Our very own Super Pinay Ana the Hurricane Julaton makes a successful ONE FC debut w TKO victory over Egyptian Aya-Saeid Saber. The historic fight was during ONE FC: Rise of Heroes at the Mall of Asia Arena last May 2, 2014. Photo by Jude Bautista

Aya Saeid Saber lands on top of Julaton on Resort’s World logo and lands ground & pound early in the fight. The historic fight was during ONE FC: Rise of Heroes at the Mall of Asia Arena last May 2, 2014. Photo is from screen grab of ONE FC video.

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Julaton pushes Saber against the fence. The historic fight was during ONE FC: Rise of Heroes at the Mall of Asia Arena last May 2, 2014. Photo by Jude Bautista.

Our very own Super Pinay Ana the Hurricane Julaton makes a successful ONE FC debut w TKO victory over Egyptian Aya-Saeid Saber. The historic fight was during ONE FC: Rise of Heroes at the Mall of Asia Arena last May 2, 2014. Photo by Jude Bautista

Ana Julaton trained in martial arts as a kid, but only fought professionally as a boxer. The historic fight was during ONE FC: Rise of Heroes at the Mall of Asia Arena last May 2, 2014

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former MIAMAI HEAT Center Ronnie Turiaf lifts Anna Julaton in victory. The historic fight was during ONE FC: Rise of Heroes at the Mall of Asia Arena last May 2, 2014. Photo by Jude Bautista

Our very own Super Pinay Ana the Hurricane Julaton makes a successful ONE FC debut w TKO victory over Egyptian Aya-Saeid Saber. The historic fight was during ONE FC: Rise of Heroes at the Mall of Asia Arena last May 2, 2014. Photo by Jude Bautista

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Congressman Manny Pacquiao endorsed SONY 3D last August 2010

( Note: Photos used here are from the SONY 3D launch I covered August of this year. Congressman Manny Pacquiao has inked an important deal to add to his growing list of endorsements. SONY Philippines recently tapped him as the official endorser of their 3D technology. Unlike any other endorsement deal however, this one may prove to have the most cutting edge technology. 3D is available in a wide range of products from TVs (Bravia), game console (Playstation 3) and high end video cameras (NEX-5). Pacquiao also has the distinction of being the owner of the first 3D capable TV in the country: a 52 inch 3D Bravia TV and 3D Blu-Ray player.)

Written and photographed

By Jude Thaddeus L. Bautista

Sportswriters and sportscasters are known for describing athletic feats to what seems like exaggerated levels. More often than not they are backed up by one thing: STATS. Numbers whose countless athletes’ careers are based on. Being able to achieve seven world titles in 7 different weight divisions is mind boggling. Manny Pacqiao’s going for his eighth world title belt in 8 different weight divisions this Sunday (Manila time). If Manny hadn’t achieved it no one would’ve thought it was even possible. So until someone else gets 9 belts in as many divisions, the statement stands.

The great names like Mohammed Ali, Roberto Duran, Thomas Hearns, Joe Louis come very few and far in between. And Manny, just based on the numbers, has already exceeded all of them. Someone may come along to equal or surpass Pacquiao’s achievements but based on history and the magnitude, it’s unthinkable. Until that person comes along and does it, Pacquiao may be the last of boxing’s great heroes. 

Cong Pacquiao is mobbed by people everywhere he goes in the Phil or abroad

If a future boxer would achieve even just half (4 world titles in 4 divisions) of what Pacquiao has achieved then that would be extraordinary. But since Manny has reached such mind boggling heights, other boxer’s successes will suffer from being compared to it. So the definition of a ‘great’ boxer has already been rewritten or redefined.

A brilliant example would be the comparison between him and Floyd Mayweather Jr. Floyd in any boxing pundit’s standard is already a shoo in for the hall of fame. His legacy is his undefeated record of 41-0. And yet because he decided to accuse Pacquiao of PED usage instead of climbing the ring with him, he has earned the title of being the biggest coward in boxing history. No one has stylistically and the skill set to defeat Manny Pacquiao more than Mayweather does. It was a complete mystery to everyone why and how Floyd would have to resort to a completely baseless accusation. Now, boxing experts see his record more as a cop out instead of highlighting his undefeated status. (For full article on it click on the link)

Cong. Manny Pacquiao dons 3D glasses and exchanges jackets with SONY Phil. Pres and Managing Dir. Takao Kuroda

Emergence of MMA

My toughest college professor, Ayi Magpayo said in a TV scriptwriting class, “You don’t exist in a vacuum. You have to know, what’s been done, what’s out there.” He was referring to possible competition and what holds the attention of audiences. In a word that would be MMA or mixed martial arts. There has been an explosion of interest and fans worldwide specifically in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). For a lot of people the UFC is quickly becoming the number one combat sport, in the world. This is the role that boxing played for a long time.

The chaos of people mobbing Manny Pacquiao was incredible. I tried to get a shot of Arel Virtusio with Manny. Arel (the guy in black on the right) is a college classmate of mine also in Ayi Magpayo’s scriptwriting class. He now works in their firm Virtusio PR.

Don’t get me wrong, I love boxing I grew up being a fan. And to a certain extent it still has a slight popularity advantage. But the speed with which MMA is growing convinces me that eventually it will surpass boxing’s popularity. There are so many reasons why it’s growing so fast. It involves a lot of striking, punching, kicking, elbows and grappling and wrestling. The dimensions that these add in a fight are both physically and mentally demanding. There are so many different disciplines that one can use: Muay Thai Kickboxing, Karatedo, Judo, Tae Kwon Do, Savat etc. etc. Add to this the grappling side of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Greco Roman Wrestling termed as the ground game. That’s why it’s called mixed martial arts.

The excitement of a knock out within three rounds or less is higher. Championship fights are 5 rounds. Traditional boxing is only one dimension of MMA. The UFC has been so well managed that it has lived up to its reputation of being as “Real As It Gets.” There are no antics or fixed bouts, just two men trying to defeat each other in the octagon.

Congressman Manny Pacquiao inks endorsement deal with SONY with him from left:SONY Phil National Sales Dir. Larry Secreto, Pacquiao Manager Eric Pineda, SONY Phil. Pres and Managing Dir. Takao Kuroda, SONY Phil. Marketing Communications Div. Dir. Alvin De Vera

This has several effects on boxing as a sport. Viewers and fans aren’t the only ones migrating to the UFC. The boxers themselves also want to try their luck in MMA. Former Heavyweight Champ James “Lights Out” Toney found out the hard way about the superiority of MMA from Randy Couture. Randy easily took him down the mat and ground and pounded Toney’s body and face. Mercifully Couture choked him with an arm triangle to end it within 2 minutes and 30 seconds.

from right: Congressman Manny Pacquiao, SONY Phil. Marketing Communications Div. Dir. Alvin De Vera and Pacquiao Manager Eric Pineda

There’s little argument that Pacquiao’s achievements are nearly impossible to duplicate let alone surpass. MMA is eating away at boxing’s market/audiences AND fighters. Knowing both of these things, it is highly probable that Manny Pacquiao is boxing’s last great hero.

As I was walking through a mall, I saw dozens of men falling in line at a stall giving out uninterrupted airing of the Pacquiao vs Margarito fight. They had to subscribe to a wireless digital cable subscription to Cignal to get it. If we didn’t have our old antiquated cable subscription I would’ve gone for it. Pacman may well be the last boxing legend to capture the imagination of the world. I’d gladly tell my future children that I witnessed the fights of the greatest boxer who ever lived and more importantly: he’s one of us- a Filipino.