Ana Julaton unfazed by Argentina bout
Filipino-American boxer Ana “The Hurricane” Julaton, unfazed by another Filipino boxer’s bad experience in Argentina very recently, is determined to defend her WBO featherweight title against Argentine Yesica Marcos in the same country on March 16.
Irate over the referee’s decision to stop the fight in the 10th round after Argentine Luis Lazarte bit Filipino Riel Casimero on the shoulder, the crowd went amuck and started hurling bottles, chairs and all sort of debris at Riel and his team. Riel was eventually declared IBF light flyweight champion via TKO.
Good thing Riel survived it all and was able to leave the Mar De Plata in one piece despite the lack of security.
According to reports from the wires, the fight had been very rough and dirty, especially on the Argentine side, with Casimero the frequent recipient of low blows.
Ana said she is not afraid to fight Yesica any time, any place. That place is the Teatro Segundo Mendoza in Argentina.
* * *
As expected, Coca-Cola president and CEO William Schultz denied that the sale of Coke’s PBA franchise to San Miguel Corp. has been consummated, although he admitted that he has sat down with a top official of the conglomerate to offer the franchise, of which San Miguel has the right of first refusal.
He also admitted that San Miguel expressed interest in reacquiring the franchise.
While Schultz assured PBA commissioner Chito Salud that JB Baylon remains the governor of Coke/Powerade, he announced the appointment of Ronald Asuncion as alternate governor, effective immediately. Schultz said Asuncion will attend the board meeting called by Salud next Monday, Feb. 20.
Coke’s letter offer (to sell) to San Miguel Corp. was dated Nov. 11, 2011. They gave the food and beverage conglomerate 60 days to decide. Otherwise the franchise would be offered to other interested parties.
Effectively, the deadline should have been Jan. 10.
* * *
For the second consecutive year, Derby Ace franchise cager James Yap, who was once married to presidential sister Kris Aquino, will be celebrating his birthday (Feb. 15) without his former partner.
As I wished him an advance happy birthday yesterday, I inquired about his current love life, probably prompted by the Valentine’s atmosphere, or maybe for lack of anything better to say.
Surprisingly, James was quick to answer.
“OK po naman,” he replied. I was about to ask for the identity of his new valentine when another text message followed,
“Love life zero,” it read.
“Punta ka?” he asked, referring to his birthday bash which will be held at a five-star Makati Hotel tonight.
I said I would, if only to find out who his latest interest is. Last year there were so many pretty girls and celebrities it was actually too difficult to tell. I have a feeling it will be the same scenario this year.
* * *
A team from Cagayan, which will compete in the PBA developmental League this March, is holding tryouts for cagers 26 years old and below from Feb. 15 to 17 starting 10 a.m. at the Earist Basketball Gym in Nagtahan, Sta. Mesa. Interested parties may call or text coach Francis Rodriguez at 0918-4484440 for further details.
