By Ryan Burton
Boxingscene.com recently spoke with former world champion Ana Julaton about her victory over Perla Hernandez in Hernandez's native Mexico. Although Julaton appeared to win the fight comfortably, she was awarded a majority decision victory. In this interview Julaton talks about the fight, her future plans, and more.
Boxingscene.com: First off congrats on the victory Ana. How do you rate your performance versus Perla Hernandez?
Ana Julaton: Thank you. Big shout out to my promoter Allan Tremblay, for giving me another opportunity and for beating cancer! He's a real Superman for fighting for his life and for having the energy to still think of me, fighting for my opportunities, with a smile. Who does that? I'm so lucky and so thankful.
I typically don't rate my performance after fights. Rather, I settle in for a day or two, then I watch my fight and look for things to improve on. There were moments I was satisfied with and others I'd like to make better. I had a great camp and was fortunate to work with Roger Mayweather, who had implemented great input with what I can potentially do in the ring. Overall, I'm happy with a win as long as my promoter, Allan Tremblay, and my right hand man, Angelo Reyes, are pleased and I look forward to getting better. Mainly I am happy that the people who saw the fight were very pleased and I always want to entertain everyone who watches my fights.
Boxingscene.com: It was apparent early on that you had to watch out for her constant headbutting. What went through your mind when you were first cut?
Ana Julaton: Initially, I thought, "Great, here we go again", referring to my title fights with Lisa Brown and Jessica Villafranca (her first title defense in Mexico in 2011).
In boxing, there's more than just fists a fighter has to watch out for. When I fought 7 time World Champion 122 pounder Kelsey Jeffries (41-9-1) to win my first world title in 2009, there was a lot of head-butting in the fight. My team and I always take that into account. I wasn't fazed or anything, it's what comes with the territory. Fighters have to stay focused and keep on fighting.
Boxingscene.com: You seemed to have won the fight comfortably but when they started reading the scores and you hear that it is a majority decision what were you thinking?
Ana Julaton: Fighting in another country, especially in your opponent's hometown is never an easy task. I've been to Argentina and knocked down my opponent and received a score of 9-9?! Go figure. In this sport, you have to take risks. That's the nature of the business and as daunting as it may seem for people on the outside looking in, that's one of the most compelling components of this sport and I love it. It brings a challenge that can bring the best out of me. The most simple (and can also be the hardest thing) to do during the preparations for a fight,and during the fight itself, is staying focused on the game plan and not get distracted with the other elements of a fight.
Boxingscene.com You are back in the winner's circle. Where do you go from here? Who do you want next?
Ana Julaton: The dynamics of boxing is sporadic and as a fighter, you have to be ready for what may come and what doesn't. Sometimes the making of a fight comes smooth and is easy to put together and sometimes it's not and you can be inactive for a long period of time. Right now, I'm just having my cut heal, I am spending time with family and friends and I am giving thanks to those who supported me through the ups and downs. Boxing is a tough industry and I'm thankful to have some down-to-earth, mentally healthy and positive individuals who are there for me, especially getting unconditional encouragement from my supporters around the world. I love you all.
My promoter Allan does amazing things for me and he's been brewing some big fights for me in the near future. In the meantime, I'll be enjoying life and will be in the gym shortly, getting back to work.
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