ONE: Holed up in Thailand, Zamboanga awaits return to Circle


denice zamboanga
No. Female Atomweight fighter Denice Zamboanga (ONE Championship Images)

Filipina fighter Denice Zamboanga remains in the hunt for a return to the Circle as she continues training in Thailand.

The 23-year-old Zamboanga is holed up in Bangkok with her older brother Drex and friend Fritz Biagtan in preparation for a potential fight.

ONE Championship successfully returned its flagship events last July 31 and new bouts are set to be announced this August and next month.

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No less than ONE CEO Chatri Sityodtong gave Zamboanga a chance to contend with current atomweight world champion Angela Lee.

Due to travel restrictions brought by the coronavirus pandemic, however, Zamboanga had no choice but to resume training, focusing on improving her speed. Drex is helping her in the striking and ground game routines.

'I’m very lucky because I can still do what I love to do,” Zamboanga said.

“I just want to stay ready, because anytime, I can get called up to compete now that ONE Championship is hosting events here in Thailand."

The number one female atomweight also announced that she parted ways with her old camp Fairtex in Pattaya.

Zamboanga insisted though that she remains friends with the team and that no bad blood exists between them.

In Fairtex, Zamboanga trained with atomweight muay thai world champion Stamp Fairtex, Nat “Wondergirl Fairtex” Nutchakamon and Noelle Grandjean to name a few.

"I love my friends at Fairtex. We are very close. Even though I am no longer with Fairtex, they are all still my friends,” the Menace said.

“Stamp, Nat, Noelle, and all my teammates, and coach DJ. I don't think that bond can be broken.”

Zamboanga hopes to participate in at least one of the five upcoming cards set on Aug. 14, 21, 28 and Sept. 11 and 18.

READ: Atomweight champion Angela Lee acknowledges Filipina fighters Denice Zamboanga, Gina Iniong