Ana Julaton and Heather Hardy were expected to rematch in a boxing ring after their Bellator 194 fight in February, but plans have changed. Julaton, who holds a 14-4-3 record in boxing and 2-4 record in mixed martial arts, announced on her social media that she is retiring from professional fighting.
”I told (my promoter Allan Tremblay) it was time for me to move on from fighting,” Julaton wrote. “… As a competitor inside the ring and cage, I’m confident in leaving combat sports fully knowing there are so many wonderful, passionate and hardworking women continuing to carry the torch as a guiding light for the bright future of our arena.”
Bellator announced in January that Julaton and Hardy would compete in both boxing and MMA contests in 2018, but the first meeting, under MMA rules, was a disappointing one. Hardy came out victorious via unanimous decision, and Bellator faced criticism if that fight deserved to be a main card attraction.
Check Julaton’s statement below.
Earlier today, I spoke to my long time promoter/advisor Mr. Allan Tremblay who has been a father, a friend and mentor throughout my entire professional sports journey. I told him it was time for me to move on from fighting.
After that very deep and emotional conversation, I spoke to Mr. Scott Coker next and thanked him for allowing me to be a part of @BellatorMMA. I’d like to thank Mr. @LouDibella and his Team @DibellaEnt for all their efforts to putting together a boxing match for me. I’d like to thank @HeatherTheHeat for sharing the cage with me and I wish her all the very best in her combat sports career both boxing and MMA. As a competitor inside the ring and cage, I’m confident in leaving combat sports fully knowing there are so many wonderful, passionate and hardworking women continuing to carry the torch as a guiding light for the bright future of our arena.
For all who have been positive and continue to create a stage for all my sisters in the arts, all the organizations I have fought for...Thank you. I consider myself fortunate to have had my Orion Sports Management family giving me the global stage and opportunities I received to compete at the highest level of Boxing and MMA. So many memories flash through my mind as I write this.
Moving forward to my next journey, I am officially retiring from professional fighting. Thank you everyone. I’m truly humbled and deeply honored for you all allowing me into your lives and hearts. I’m forever grateful.
Sincerely,
Ana