Kaliesha West returns to the ring Sat Oct 6th in Pomona

On Saturday night, October 6, 2012, World Boxing Organization (WBO) Bantamweight Champion, Kaliesha “Wild Wild” West (Moreno Valley, California, 15-1-3, 4 KOs), will move up in weight when she faces Christina Ruiz (San Antonio, Texas, 6-4-2, 4 KOs) at the Finish Line Sports Grill in Pomona, California. West-Ruiz will be a 10-round bout for the vacant International Female Boxing Association (IFBA) Super Bantamweight Title.

The contest will be featured as the main event of the boxing card entitled, “KO Cancer – Boxing For The Cure,” presented by Sugar Shane Mosley Promotions, in association with Diamond’s Love Foundation and The Susan G. Komen Foundation. The event was created to help the fight against cancer and to increase cancer awareness. West-Cruz will receive coverage from several outlets, including Verizon’s FOX International television channel, MundoFox, Ringside TV, and Fox Sports Radio. Some notable women’s boxing match-ups featured on the undercard include Holly “Lil Bear” Lawson vs. Tammie “The Tasmanian Devil” Johnson and Katarina “Guantes” De La Cruz vs. Blanca Raymundo.

Kaliesha West is happy about getting an opportunity to fight so close to her hometown. She said, “I am going to have a lot of friends and family come out for my fight. My last few fights have been in Mexico, so it feels great to come home. I’m excited to make history as being the first world title fight to be featured on Sugar Shane Mosley’s professional card. Women do belong in the sport, fighting on the same cards with the men.”

Juan West, Kaliesha’s father, manager, and trainer, shared his thoughts. “This will be Kaliesha’s first main event in the United States on an all-boxing card. Kaliesha’s supporters will be able to attend the open workout at her hometown high school to see her practice, and then come to fight night on October 6th to see her perform.”

Kaliesha West discussed her progress in training camp. “Camp has been going well. I’m training hard, working on my endurance, and hope to put on a great performance.” Coach West added, “Kaliesha is right on schedule and is training hard. I can see her drive and determination to make a statement in this fight.”

Kaliesha talked about her opponent and said, “Christina Ruiz is an aggressive fighter that fights with passion and determination. I have the utmost respect for her because of her accomplishments in the sport of boxing and I will not take this fight lightly.”

Juan West added, “I’ve followed Christina Ruiz for years and was really impressed by her knockout of Emily Klinefelter. We respect her punching power. Kaliesha has speed and Ruiz has power, and typically, speed vs. power battles are exciting for the fans. Kaliesha will have to box impressively on the inside, put together her combinations, and show professional poise. On October 6, she who wants it most will take home the IFBA Title belt.”

Following the success of the women boxers in the 2012 Olympic games, Kaliesha West wants to carry on the legacy of great female fighters. She said, “Marlen Esparza, Claressa Shields, and Katy Taylor epitomized what women’s boxing is all about. The women’s boxing events in London sold out and were extremely exciting to watch. Claressa was able to dominate, even though she had to move up in weight in order to compete. She’s a great ambassador for the sport. I admired her will power to succeed and win the gold.”

Juan West thought that the 2012 Olympics demonstrated the high skill level now found in women’s boxing. “The skills displayed in the Olympics are the result of these women having solid amateur boxing backgrounds. In London, the women’s boxers captured the hearts of the Olympic fans and their performance hopefully opened doors for other amateurs and current pros in the sport.”

On September 20, 2012, at 3:45pm, Kaliesha West will hold an open workout at Canyon Springs High School. The workout will take place in the school gymnasium and is open to the media and general public. Canyon Springs High School is located at 23100 Cougar Canyon Drive, Moreno Valley, CA, 92557. Kaliesha West would like to thank LaDonna Jempson and the MVHCC for helping coordinate the open workout. West would also like to thank her Adidas sponsorship for their support in helping Team West adequately prepare for this fight.

Weigh-ins for Kaliesha’s fight will take place on Friday night, October 5, 2012, at 5:30pm, during the intermission of the KO Cancer Amateur Show, located at the Finish Line Sports Grill. On Kaliesha’s fight night, Saturday night, October 6, 2012, the doors will open at the Finish Line Sports Grill for boxing festivities at 2pm, with the first fight starting at 6pm. Ticket prices are $100 (VIP) and $50. Tickets for Kaliesha’s fight will be available for purchase online by visiting http://knockingoutcancer.eventbrite.com or by calling Diamond’s Love Foundation at (909) 622 9092. The Finish Line Sports Grill is located at 2201 N. White Ave., Pomona, CA, 91767.

Similarly to her father, Kaliesha West was born in South Haven, Michigan. At the age of five, she relocated with her family to Moreno Valley, California, and she began boxing five years later. In Southern California, she was a decorated amateur boxing star. She competed as a member of the USA Boxing Program, winning 98 amateur bouts, and several championships, including the 2003 National Golden Gloves. West opted to turn pro in 2006 when she received the news that women’s boxing was not going to be showcased during the 2008 Olympic games.

Kaliesha West began her pro career in 2006, when she was just eighteen years old. On September 18, 2010, at age twenty-two, she won the vacant Women’s WBO Bantamweight title on the under card of the Mosley-Mora Golden Boy Promotions PPV by defeating Angel Gladney via a seventh-round knockout. The fight took place at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, and was held during the Mexican Bicentennial Celebration. West, now twenty-four, last fought on April 14, 2012, when she defeated Claudia Lopez by unanimous decision, in Rosarito, Mexico.

For the latest updates on Kaliesha West, “Like” her official Facebook fan page at http://www.facebook.com/OfficialKalieshaWest

Follow Kaliesha West on Twitter: @kwildwildwest or http://www.twitter.com/kwildwildwest

For media inquiries or any further information, contact Lorin Chvotkin of Team West by e-mail at Lbchoyas@yahoo.com or by phone at +1 (240) 498 1478. For press inquiries or interview requests for promoter Shane Mosley, contact his publicist, Shay Brown, at +1 (901) 628 8011 or by email at press@royalkingdomagency.com.

http://www.eastsideboxing.com/2012/kaliesha-west-returns-to-the-ring-sat-oct-6th-in-pomona/

West will contend for the vacant IFBA Super Bantamweight title in the main event of legendary Sugar Shane Mosley’s fight card in Pomona, California.

MORENO VALLEY, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A. – On Saturday night, October 6, 2012, World Boxing Organization (WBO) Bantamweight Champion, Kaliesha “Wild Wild” West (Moreno Valley, California, 15-1-3, 4 KOs), will move up in weight when she faces Christina Ruiz (San Antonio, Texas, 6-4-2, 4 KOs) at the Finish Line Sports Grill in Pomona, California. West-Ruiz will be a 10-round bout for the vacant International Female Boxing Association (IFBA) Super Bantamweight Title.

The contest will be featured as the main event of the boxing card entitled, “KO Cancer – Boxing For The Cure,” presented by Sugar Shane Mosley Promotions, in association with Diamond’s Love Foundation and The Susan G. Komen Foundation. The event was created to help the fight against cancer and to increase cancer awareness. West-Cruz will receive coverage from several outlets, including Verizon’s FOX International television channel, MundoFox, Ringside TV, and Fox Sports Radio. Some notable women’s boxing match-ups featured on the undercard include Holly “Lil Bear” Lawson vs. Tammie “The Tasmanian Devil” Johnson and Katarina “Guantes” De La Cruz vs. Blanca Raymundo.

Kaliesha West is happy about getting an opportunity to fight so close to her hometown. She said, “I am going to have a lot of friends and family come out for my fight. My last few fights have been in Mexico, so it feels great to come home. I’m excited to make history as being the first world title fight to be featured on Sugar Shane Mosley’s professional card. Women do belong in the sport, fighting on the same cards with the men.”

Juan West, Kaliesha’s father, manager, and trainer, shared his thoughts. “This will be Kaliesha’s first main event in the United States on an all-boxing card. Kaliesha’s supporters will be able to attend the open workout at her hometown high school to see her practice, and then come to fight night on October 6th to see her perform.”

Kaliesha West discussed her progress in training camp. “Camp has been going well. I’m training hard, working on my endurance, and hope to put on a great performance.” Coach West added, “Kaliesha is right on schedule and is training hard. I can see her drive and determination to make a statement in this fight.”

Kaliesha talked about her opponent and said, “Christina Ruiz is an aggressive fighter that fights with passion and determination. I have the utmost respect for her because of her accomplishments in the sport of boxing and I will not take this fight lightly.”

Juan West added, “I’ve followed Christina Ruiz for years and was really impressed by her knockout of Emily Klinefelter. We respect her punching power. Kaliesha has speed and Ruiz has power, and typically, speed vs. power battles are exciting for the fans. Kaliesha will have to box impressively on the inside, put together her combinations, and show professional poise. On October 6, she who wants it most will take home the IFBA Title belt.”

Following the success of the women boxers in the 2012 Olympic games, Kaliesha West wants to carry on the legacy of great female fighters. She said, “Marlen Esparza, Claressa Shields, and Katy Taylor epitomized what women’s boxing is all about. The women’s boxing events in London sold out and were extremely exciting to watch. Claressa was able to dominate, even though she had to move up in weight in order to compete. She’s a great ambassador for the sport. I admired her will power to succeed and win the gold.”

Juan West thought that the 2012 Olympics demonstrated the high skill level now found in women’s boxing. “The skills displayed in the Olympics are the result of these women having solid amateur boxing backgrounds. In London, the women’s boxers captured the hearts of the Olympic fans and their performance hopefully opened doors for other amateurs and current pros in the sport.”

On September 20, 2012, at 3:45pm, Kaliesha West will hold an open workout at Canyon Springs High School. The workout will take place in the school gymnasium and is open to the media and general public. Canyon Springs High School is located at 23100 Cougar Canyon Drive, Moreno Valley, CA, 92557. Kaliesha West would like to thank LaDonna Jempson and the MVHCC for helping coordinate the open workout. West would also like to thank her Adidas sponsorship for their support in helping Team West adequately prepare for this fight.

Weigh-ins for Kaliesha’s fight will take place on Friday night, October 5, 2012, at 5:30pm, during the intermission of the KO Cancer Amateur Show, located at the Finish Line Sports Grill. On Kaliesha’s fight night, Saturday night, October 6, 2012, the doors will open at the Finish Line Sports Grill for boxing festivities at 2pm, with the first fight starting at 6pm. Ticket prices are $100 (VIP) and $50. Tickets for Kaliesha’s fight will be available for purchase online by visiting http://knockingoutcancer.eventbrite.com or by calling Diamond’s Love Foundation at (909) 622 9092. The Finish Line Sports Grill is located at 2201 N. White Ave., Pomona, CA, 91767.

Similarly to her father, Kaliesha West was born in South Haven, Michigan. At the age of five, she relocated with her family to Moreno Valley, California, and she began boxing five years later. In Southern California, she was a decorated amateur boxing star. She competed as a member of the USA Boxing Program, winning 98 amateur bouts, and several championships, including the 2003 National Golden Gloves. West opted to turn pro in 2006 when she received the news that women’s boxing was not going to be showcased during the 2008 Olympic games.

Kaliesha West began her pro career in 2006, when she was just eighteen years old. On September 18, 2010, at age twenty-two, she won the vacant Women’s WBO Bantamweight title on the under card of the Mosley-Mora Golden Boy Promotions PPV by defeating Angel Gladney via a seventh-round knockout. The fight took place at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, and was held during the Mexican Bicentennial Celebration. West, now twenty-four, last fought on April 14, 2012, when she defeated Claudia Lopez by unanimous decision, in Rosarito, Mexico.

For the latest updates on Kaliesha West, “Like” her official Facebook fan page at http://www.facebook.com/OfficialKalieshaWest

Follow Kaliesha West on Twitter: @kwildwildwest or http://www.twitter.com/kwildwildwes

http://philboxing.com/news/story-74779.html

WBO bantamweight queen Kaliesha “Wild Wild” West (15-1-3, 4KOs) traveled 150 miles south from her home town of Moreno Valley, CA, to defend her crown versus the very tough and awkward Claudia Andrea “Chica 10″ Lopez (18-6, 4KOs) in a ten round championship bout held at the Ernesto Ruffo Appel Municipal Gymnasium in the coastal town of Rosarito, Baja California, Mexico, last Saturday night. The fight was presented by Erik “Terrible” Morales’ Box Latino with Golden Boy Promotions and broadcast live in Mexico by Televisa and in the United States by Fox Sports Net.

West had not stepped into the ring since last August when she traveled all the way to Manzanillo, Mexico to defeat Jessica Villafranca in her second defense of the title she captured in late ’10 by stopping Angel Gladney in seven rounds. The southpaw Lopez, a veteran South American from Trelew, Argentina, was coming a unanimous decision win over Sonia Paladino in July of last year.

The reigning champion began to show off her speed early in the first despite both holding back in the round of study. Knowing that perhaps West was much quicker than her and skilled, Lopez stayed in the pocket as she tried and at times succeeded in countering West while trying to make it into a brawl by manhandling Kaliesha in the clinches. With a bruise swelling up quickly on the right side of her cheek, West looked to be having trouble in the third finding her distance while Lopez began to apply the pressure.

The action opened up in the fourth as both ladies began to throw more punches with Kaliesha being the more traditional fighter with combinations while Lopez tried to score heavy artillery. West began to find a home for her right hand in fifth as she began to score it as a lead punch and then ended the sixth heat with a huge three punch combination to the face of Lopez. Despite Kaliesha being the more precise puncher, Lopez had her moments with an all out pressure style as she kept coming forward no matter what West scored. Lopez was more effective in the inside when she was able to land the harder punches.

Lopez welcomed West to the ninth round hard straight left and Kaliesha returned the greeting soon after with an even harder straight right hand. Both women went toe to toe in the tenth and final round to finish off the show.

At the end, judges Fabricio Lopez and Ericka Contreras scored it 98-92 each while judge Sergio Caiz had it an inexplicable 95-95 giving the majority decision win to West

Ringside report and photos by Felipe Leon

http://www.fightnews.com/Boxing/reportgallery-west-vs-lopez-112908?nggpage=2

Date: April 14, 2012

WBO Female Bantamweight Championship Title Bout

Location: Auditorio Ernesto Rufo, Rosarito, Baja California, Mexico

Result: West wins by majority decision

Referee: Raul Caiz, Jr.

Judges: Fabricio Lopez (98-92), Ericka Contreras (98-92), Sergio Caiz (95-95)

Supervisor: Rafael Lopez Santos

Promoter: Box Latino

Professional boxer Kaliesha West will be the featured speaker at the Redlands Rotary Club on April 26.

West, the World Boxing Organization (WBO) bantamweight champion, lives in nearby Moreno Valley and is also an emergency room host at Loma Linda University Medical Hospital.

“I’m really looking forward to my speaking engagement at the Redlands Rotary Club,” West said. “I’m excited to meet new people, many of them being my neighbors.”

West, 24, is currently in training for a title defense against Claudia Andrea Lopez at the Ernesto Ruffo Appel Municipal Gymnasium in Rosarito B.C. Mexico.

West, or “Wild Wild” West as she is referred to during her ring entrances, is 14-1-3 with four knockouts. Lopez is 18-5 with four knockouts of her own.

“I can’t wait to share my passion for boxing with others,” West said. “Thank you to Redlands Rotary Club for supporting female athletes. I’m really thankful that I’m being given this opportunity to share my story.”

West’s 10-round, WBO title defense will be featured on the Mexican television network, Televisa, as part of the weekly boxing series “Sabados de Corona.”

West turned pro in 2006 after establishing herself as a star in the amateur ranks, where she won nearly 100 bouts, including the 2003 National Golden Gloves title.

In 2010 West became a world champion when she won the vacant Women’s WBO Bantamweight title with a seventh-round knockout of Angel Gladney on the undercard of the “Sugar” Shane Mosley-Sergio Mora Golden card at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.

West last fought in August of 2011 when she defeated Jessica Villafranca by unanimous decision in Manzanillo, Colima, Mexico.

The Redlands Rotary Club will host this engagement at the Masonic Lodge in Redlands (131 Cajon St.). The Club meets on Thursdays.

Ed Castro, Staff Writer

http://www.redlandsdailyfacts.com/sports/ci_20357215/boxing-champion-kaliesha-west-speak-rotary-club

Seven world time champion and the only Mexican fighter to win four full-fledged world titles in as many divisions, Erik “Terrible” Morales along with his promotional outfit Box Latino, return to Baja California to present an explosive night of professional boxing on Saturday, April 14th, 2012. In the main event, Moreno Valley, CA’s Kaliesha “Wild Wild” West (14-1-3, 4KOs) will defend her WBO bantamweight title for the third time versus quite possibly her toughest opponent yet, the tough Claudia Andrea “Chica 10” Lopez (18-5, 4KOs) of Trelew, Argentina in a scheduled ten round championship bout from the Ernesto Ruffo Appel Municipal Gymnasium in the beautiful seaside town of Rosarito, Mexico.

The West vs. Lopez championship tilt will be televised live in Mexico by mega channel Televisa as part of their weekly boxing series “Sabados de Corona”.

The twenty-four year old West is no stranger to Mexico with her next fight being the third time she performs in our neighbor to the south. In her first fight on Aztec soil, West stopped Flor Verdugo in two rounds in Ensenada and in her last fight, she defended her title via unanimous decision over Jessica Villafranca last August in Manzanillo, Colima, Mexico. West captured her title by stopping Angel Gladney in seven on the under card of “Canelo” Alvarez-Baldomir held at the Staples Center in 2010 and has defended it for the first time with a draw versus the current IBF flyweight champion Ava Knight. Known for her speed and technicality, West had and extensive and successful amateur career which continued in the professional ranks. Along with her world title, West is ranked as the #2 bantamweight in the world by the WBC and the #3 by the computerized rankings of BoxRec.com.

Her next opponent might just be her toughest when she faces the game Argentinean Claudia Lopez. Having faced the best her country has to offer in Alejandra Marina Oliveras and Marcela Eliana Acuña, Lopez will visit Mexico for the first time in hopes of taking West’s title back to South America. It will not be the first time that Lopez leaves her hometown or challenges for a title since in April of 2010, Lopez traveled to South Korea and challenged Hyun-Mi Choi for the WBA featherweight strap which she lost in a controversial split decision.

The West-Lopez is expected to be a classic boxer versus brawler in which not only of the ladies will be called the winner but also the fans in the house and watching over the airwaves.

Published: Apr 04 2012 by: ProBoxing-Fans.com

http://www.proboxing-fans.com/kaliesha-west-defends-womens-wbo-bantamweight-title-on-april-14-in-baja-california_040412/

World Boxing Organization (WBO) Bantamweight Champion, Kaliesha “Wild Wild” West (Moreno Valley, California, 14-1-3, 4 KOs) will travel to Las Vegas, Nevada, to support the women’s championship boxing card on November 20, 2011, held at the Dallas Events Center, located within the Texas Station Gambling Hall and Hotel.  The main event will feature Ada “The Ace” Velez (19-3-3, 6 KOs) defending her IBF Super Bantamweight Title against Melinda “La Maravilla” Cooper (21-1, 11 KOs) in a 10 round bout.  This will be a rematch of their previous March 2011 bout in Costa Rica, which Velez won by split decision.  In addition, Stacy “Stay-Lo” Reile (10-3, 4 KOs) will defend her IBF Featherweight title against Dahiana Santana (27-6, 12 KOs).  Undefeated, Russian heavyweight, Magomed “Mago” Abdusalamov (11-0, 11 KOs) will take on Rich “Super” Power (15-1, 11 KOs).  Promising female boxer, Tatina “Lil’ Tyson” Anderson, will be featured on the undercard.

Kaliesha West, who is twenty-three years of age, signed with HG Garcia Boxing in July 2011.  On August 20, 2011, she successfully defended her WBO title against Jessica Villafranca, winning by a unanimous decision.  Due to unforeseen circumstances regarding her opponent, West’s title defense on October 29, 2011 was cancelled.  No date has been set for West’s next WBO title defense.

http://www.doghouseboxing.com/Chee/Chee1118a11.htm

With the support of the #1 women’s boxing promoter in Mexico, WBO bantamweight Kaliesha “Wild Wild” West (14-1-3, 4KOs) of Moreno Valley, California, looks to conquer the Mexican boxing public with her mix of beauty and lethal skills. West, one of the female world champs in HG Boxing’s stable led by promoter Hector Garcia, returns to the ring and to Colima, the site of her debut bout with HG Boxing back in August. West will defend her WBO 118 lbs. strap as part of the “Erupción en Colima (Eruption In Colima)” fight card set for Saturday, October 29th.

In her last bout held on August 20th, West defeated Jessica Villafranca via a unanimous decision with scores of 97-95, 99-91 and 96-94 in Manzanillo, Colima, Mexico.

Now West will appear in the capital of Colima at the 74th Colima State Fair. The bout will mark West’s third defense that she captured last year by stopping Angel Gladney in seven rounds. West opponent is still to be confirmed.

“I am happy to return to Mexico once again and especially Colima,” West stated. “The people there are very nice and I am looking forward in showing again why I am a world champion.”

West trains in her hometown of Moreno Valley under the supervision of her trainer and father, Juan West. After road work every morning and then an eight hour shift as a hospital administrator, Kaliesha trains at night where she spars at least six rounds three times a week.

West will share the bill with Arely” Amatralladora” Muciño (14-0-1, 8KOs) who will defend her IBF flyweight title versus the “Lady of Boxing” Ava Knight (6-1-3, 3KOs). In the main event, super bantamweight Giovani “Ruso” Caro (22-9-4, 17KOs) will take on Takalani Ndlovu (32-6, 18KOs) in an IBF 122 lbs. title challenge.

http://www.fightnews.com/Boxing/west-returns-to-mexico-99161

Kaliesha West had a lot to deal with on Saturday.

West, who lives and trains out of the Southern California suburb of Moreno Valley just west of Palm Springs, was fighting in Mexico where fight fans are rabidly loyal to the sweet science.

She wanted to impress, the bout being her first with a new, well known Mexican promoter.

She wanted to look sharp because the bout was being televised through much of Mexico.

On top of it all she was defending her world title.

No worries. It all fell into place.

West registered a unanimous decision over Mexico’s Jessica Villafranca at the Black Pyramid Casino in Manzanillo, Colima, Mexico.

“The fight was tough,” West commented on her Facebook page after the fight. “Jessica has a big heart.”

It was the second successful defense of her World Boxing Organization (WBO) female bantamweight title. West, the newest member of the Mexico based HG Garcia Boxing promotional stable, won with scorecards of 97-95, 99-91 and 96-94.

“The people were so sweet here,” West added. “It was an amazing adventure. I’m looking forward to coming back and fighting for my promoter, the best, Hector Garcia.”

West (14-3-1, 4 KOs) defended her title for the first time earlier this year when she defeated Ava Knight at the Pico Rivera Sports Arena.

By: Edward Castro, Palm Springs Boxing Examine
http://www.examiner.com/boxing-in-palm-springs/kaliesha-west-comes-up-big-with-win-mexico

Ana “Hurricane” Julaton has retained her WBO Female super bantamweight title with a comfortable win over Jessica Villafranca in Yucatan, Mexico on Saturday. All three judges had the 31 year old Julaton the winner with Levi Martinez scoring it 97-92, Victor Salomon 96-93 and Alejandro Lopez Cid 98-91 despite the fact that referee Miguel Angel Canul deducted a point from Julaton in round six for holding and hitting behind the head.

With the win the popular Daly City based Filipina improved to 10-2-1 with 1 knockout while the 18 year old Villafranca dropped to -12-4 with 6 knockouts.

Julaton won the vacant title with a split ten round decision over Maria Elena Villalobos on June 30, 2010. This was her second title defense and her fourth victory since losing to Lisa Brown in a lopsided decision on March 27, 2010.

Villafranca was coming off a loss to Kaliesha West in a WBO Female bantamweight title fight last August 20.

Ana Julaton has the belt, the global television deal, and the name.

So why is “The Hurricane” defending her WBO junior featherweight title tomorrow
in Jessica Villafranca’s backyard of Mexico?

“It is important to continue to showcase Ana’s talents globally and get her the most
exposure,” said her promoter, Allan Tremblay. “Mexico is right now the where
female boxing is thriving. I am confident Ana will flourish here in Mexico and like
Manny Pacquiao, her skills will speak for themselves to the boxing fans in Mexico.”

“I love the people of Merida and the Yucatan,” Julaton, No. 7 in CSNBayArea.com’s
NorCal pound-for-pound rankings, said. “They have been so welcoming to me. They
make me feel like a welcomed champion and it doesn’t shock anyone that I am a
female boxer, as it oftentimes happens in the U.S.A. I appreciate that they respect
fighters whether it is male or female.”

After months trying to a secure a unification bout with WBA champ Chanttall
Martinez of Panama, Julaton (9-2-1, 1 KO) has since turned her attention to
Villafranca (12-3, 6 KOs), an 18-year-old from Nicolas Romero, Mex., whom despite
her youth has already challenged for three world titles.

“I know [Villafranca] is a tough opponent because she had a strong action-packed
fight in her previous WBO championship fight in August [against bantamweight
champ Kaliesha West],” Julaton said. “I know she is fresh and ready to take what I
have. I am here to show why I am the champion.”

“She has never been stopped, which would mean that if Ana does it she would be the
first to do so,” Angelo Reyes, Julaton’s longtime advisor, said of the opponent.

“The Kaliesha West fight was scored very close and the judging was an issue. The
WBO addressed it, and they explained it will be all fair judging. For this fight, we’ll
have two Mexicans and an American, Levi Martinez.”

Before traveling to the Gimnasio Polifuncional in the Yucatan Peninsula, the 31-
year-old Daly City native held training camp away from her usual Hollywood
headquarters and trainer Freddie Roach, who was in Colorado Springs as a
consultant for the U.S. National Team this month.

“I saw Freddie before he went to Colorado and he saw that I was in shape,” Julaton
said. “We worked on a few things then. Following my promoter’s suggestions, I went to [Las] Vegas for the heat simulation and was able to get great work at the
UNLV Gym.”

Stepping in was the very capable Reyes, who has worked the corner in his absence,
most recently in an eight-round non-title victory over Angel Gladney in Miami. The
fight was a brawl that resulted in a deep cut over Julaton’s left eye that has since
healed.

“I have a great deal of faith in Angelo Reyes, and it showed in the Alcanter fight
when Freddie couldn’t show up to Ana’s fight because of commitments made to his
other champions,” Tremblay said.

“Freddie trained her up until the day of weigh-ins. Same scenario for the fight in
Miami in June. Angelo has always been the consistent assistant coach for Ana, and
Freddie knows she listens to his voice as well.”

The inquiries about Julaton’s path following Friday’s fight have increased, especially
since the encounter with Gladney took place at the featherweight division.

Could she be looking at a move north to 126 pounds, or will she remain at 122 and
continue to pursue Martinez?

“I’m only concentrating in this moment,” Julaton said. “I am very focused on this
fight only and have not thought about anything else because it’s always dangerous
to go into a new venue with new climates fighting the hometown challenger.”

Reyes echoed his fighter’s comments, but revealed a few plans.

“We have been focused on this fight only, but I would be lying if I said we haven’t
thought about the Martinez fight,” he said. “I know Ana would beat Martinez, and
that would be a great unification fight for all people to watch. So my dream would
be to have that aired on Showtime or HBO.”

Of course, until it’s over, tomorrow’s fight is the most important one. Before today’s
weigh-in, Julaton held a video teleconference with Filipino channel GMA News,
where she received some encouragement from friend and fellow Roach fighter,
Manny Pacquiao.

“Millions of Filipinos are behind you to support you, and I wish you good luck and
[to] do your best,” Pacquiao said, later predicting a Julaton victory.

With her fight being broadcast worldwide through the GMA family of global
networks, Julaton understands that the onus will be on her to win impressively if she wants to make a case for bigger fights down the road in the Bay Area, Canada, or
the Philippines.

“I am here to put on a good show for the people, and I want to thank everyone who
will be supporting me, she said. “The people who watch it will see an action packed
fight. I promise!”

http://www.csnbayarea.com/09/29/11/Ana-Julaton-taking-title-defense-global/landing.html?blockID=569772&feedID=2539