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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Denice Zamboanga stays sharp despite grand prix postponement, eyes big win vs Korean foe

Denice Zamboanga stays sharp despite grand prix postponement, eyes big win vs Korean foe

Published Jun 26, 2021 06:55 pm

Filipina fighter Denice Zamboanga is not leaving her eyes on the prize as she remains focused on winning against South Korean veteran Seo Hee Ham when they meet in the Circle soon for the inaugural women's atomweight grand prix.

Denice Zamboanga (ONE Championship)

"I'm still focused on the goal. It's not an easy fight. I can tell you that much. Seo Hee Ham is a dangerous opponent," Zamboanga told ONE Championship. "Thankfully, I have more time to prepare, to sharpen my skills and really zero in on that game plan. Our strategy is going to be key in this fight. I think every fighter is tough and should not be underestimated.

"This is MMA, and anything can happen in the cage. It will come down to who is better prepared to claim victory," added Zamboanga, who holds a perfect 8-0 record.

READ: Seo seeks KO win over Zamboanga

Zamboanga is more than prepared for the first round of the tournament when ONE Championship announced its postponement due to COVID-19 concerns in Singapore.

Recent ONE events were always held at the country's very own Singapore Indoor Stadium.

The undefeated Filipina admitted that maintaining the motivation ahead of a fight is one of the difficulties as a fighter and such is the case for the untimely postponement.

Zamboanga, however, is looking for the silver lining with more preparation time before she faces Ham, who owns a 23-8 record.

READ: Zamboanga wary of Seo's striking prowess

"As a professional, I have to continue training hard. That's my job. So that when I show up to fight, I can give it my best," said Zamboanga, who is holed up in Thailand training with his brother and the rest of the Marrok Force crew.

"Of course, I'm human too. I'm just like everybody else. Every day is a struggle to stay motivated, especially when we get canceled fights and postponed events. It's not easy to deal with."

READ: Marrok Force camp 'perfect fit' for Denice Zamboanga

Zamboanga last saw action in August last year where she submitted Thai opponent Watsapinya Kaewkhong in the first round while Seo only needed three matches in the Rizin Fighting Federation to reign the atomweight division in 2019 before jumping ship to the Singapore-based promotion this year.

ONE Championship has yet to announce the new date for the first round as reigning atomweight queen Angela Lee patiently waits for the ultimate winner.

READ: Zamboanga embraces underdog status vs dark horse Seo

Related Tags

Marrok Force Seo Hee Ham Denice Zamboanga ONE Championship
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