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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Zamboanga still eager to face Lee in the future

Zamboanga still eager to face Lee in the future

Published Sep 4, 2021 05:29 pm

Denice Zamboanga isn't done with the hunt for the title shot despite falling in the quarterfinals of the women's atomweight grand prix in the historic all-female card of ONE: Empower at the Singapore Indoor Stadium Friday night, Sept. 3.

Denice Zamboanga (right) and Seo Hee Ham exchange pleasantries after their quarterfinals matchup of the women's atomweight grand prix in the historic all-female card of ONE: Empower at the Singapore Indoor Stadium Friday night, Sept. 3. (ONE Championship)

Zamboanga's loss, the first of her career, meant that the hyped matchup against current champion Angela Lee went out of the radar.

The tournament winner not only gets the prestigious grand prix belt but also the prize of challenging Lee to dispute the world atomweight belt.

Since last year, Zamboanga's name was the top pitch in the lineup for the champion from Evolve MMA.

As the chances went downhill with her elimination in the grand prix via split decision, Zamboanga said she still wants to prove that she's worthy of the title shot.

"For me, even before, naghihintay pa rin talaga ako kasi umaasa ako kasi sinabi nila (ONE Championship) sakin before having grand prix na lalabas ko si Angela (I was just waiting since ONE Championship told me earlier that I will fight Angela for the belt even before the grand prix announcement)," said Zamboanga. "So gusto ko pa rin makalaban si Angela sa future (I still want to fight Angela in the future)."

Zamboanga and Lee figured in a heated exchange of words with the Circle presented as the way to settling the business.

Lee, however, went on a hiatus in the sport due to pregnancy as ONE Championship chief Chatri Sityodtong insisted that the belt will be retained by the 25-year-old atomweight queen.

Another fighter in Meng Bo, the No. 2 contender, who also issued a challenge for both Zamboanga and Lee, was booted out early in the tournament after suffering defeat at the hands of Ritu Phogat of India via unanimous decision.

The chances to face Lee post-grand prix are up for grabs at the hands of Seo, Phogat, Itsuki Hirata of Japan, and Stamp Fairtex of Thailand.

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