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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Seo after defeating Zamboanga: I never thought I was losing

Seo after defeating Zamboanga: I never thought I was losing

Published Sep 5, 2021 05:23 pm

South Korean fighter Seo Hee Ham is confident that she deserved the victory against top-ranked atomweight contender Denice Zamboanga in their quarterfinals match of the women's grand prix in ONE: Empower at the Singapore Indoor Stadium Friday, Sept. 3.

Seo Hee Ham (right) and Denice Zamboanga exchange blows in their quarterfinals match of the women's atomweight grand prix in ONE: Empower at the Singapore Indoor Stadium Friday, Sept. 3. (ONE Championship)

"In any point of the fight, I never thought I was losing," said Seo, who improved to a 24-8 record. "Because if you know the ONE Championship rules, I believe it's a little bit different. Like let's say takedowns or the clinch.

"She wasn't advancing her position, she wasn't really effective, y'know, damage-wise I believe I was winning. I believe the people look at ONE Championship rules and try to watch the fight again because at any point of the fight I never thought I was losing."

Seo emerged victorious in a close split decision call, chalking up the first loss at Zamboanga's record. The Filipina warrior has eight wins including three in ONE Championship.

Zamboanga, in the same way how most netizens reacted, insisted that she "clearly" won the fight by leveling Seo's striking and scoring more points in wrestling and takedowns.

Some also called out the split decision instead of giving it unanimously to the Filipina fighter.

ONE Championship is known for judging the match, be it three-round or five-round, in its entirety and not per round.

Seo, for her part, clarified that the respect never changed after their controversial bout. Zamboanga, likewise, earlier said the South Korean isn't to blame for her loss but the judges' scoring.

"I feel the same way because even before the fight and after the fight, I always respected her," said Seo.

"The respect was always there. She's the No. 1 atomweight in ONE Championship, she's a great athlete so there was no point that I didn't respect her. I always respected her and the respect is still the same."

Related Tags

ONE: Empower Seo Hee Ham Denice Zamboanga ONE Championship
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