Filipino mixed martial arts fighter Denice Zamboanga has now taken the lead role in vying for a world belt after Team Lakay’s Gina Iniong took a leave of absence from fighting to focus on her family.
Currently ranked top female atomweight contender in the ONE Championship, Zamboanga is busy in Thailand training and staying ready in case she gets the call to compete in an upcoming card in Bangkok.
Bouts for ONE: A New Breed events through August and September are yet to be announced, and Zamboanga hopes she can return to the circle sooner than later.
With lockdown restrictions tightening back in the country due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Zamboanga is left without much of a choice but to stay in Thailand.
Accompanying Zamboanga in training is older brother, Drex, and their friend Fritz Biagtan. Together, they are preparing Zamboanga for a potential upcoming bout.
“Right now, I’m just training here in Bangkok with my brother Drex and our friend Fritz Biagtan. I’m very lucky because I can still do what I love to do,” said Zamboanga.
“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,” she added.
ONE has successfully returned to its flagship event schedule with ONE: No Surrender on 31 July, to be followed by its second and third series on Aug. 14 and 21.
ONE has also set two events on Sept. 11 and 18 with Zamboanga hoping to appear on at least one of those cards.
“I really want to fight and compete, so I’m just waiting for that call from ONE Championship. Need to stay as sharp as possible, because the world title shot is just around the corner,” said Zamboanga.
“Right now, I need to work on my speed. Speed is a great asset to have in the ring. Of course, I’m constantly working on my striking skills and ground game. Thankfully my brother is here to help me.”
The 23-year-old rising star remains undefeated in four professional MMA fights since 2018.
Filipino MMA fans can now catch their favorite ONE Championship superstars on Cignal TV and TV5. – Harley F. Palangchao
April 18, 2024
