By Jun Ray Navarres
Filipino bet Denice Zamboanga finally gets the chance to perform in front of her Filipino home crowd as she returns to the Circle in ONE Fight Night 5: De Ridder vs. Malykhin at the Mall of Asia Arena on Dec 3.
The most active atomweight contender of ONE Championship during the closed-door era will be taking on Lin Heqin – and she plans to make the most of it.
“I’m very happy. This is very special for me and for my whole family. It will be my first time to fight here in Manila for ONE, and I’m truly honored to perform and fight in front of my countrymen,” said Zamboanga.
Zamboanga was the first local fighter announced to make a Manila showing beside ONE Strawweight kingpin Joshua Pacio who will be defending his belt against Jarred Brooks at ONE 164: Pacio vs. Brooks – one of the two cards in Manila.
The third-ranked atomweight looks to return into winning column as she was outlasted by Seo Hee Ham last March.
“For me, nothing compares to the feeling of hearing the cheers of my fellow Filipinos in Manila. That’s why I’ll do my best to make sure their tickets are worth it,” shared Zamboanga.
But it’s not going to be a smooth sailing for the Lycan Queen who will be facing off against Lin who’s coming from a close decision loss to Itsuki Hiruta just three months ago in August.
Additionally, Zamboanga also left Marrok Force to focus her training fulltime in the Philippines.
“I’ve already parted ways with Marrok, but we are really on good terms,” said Zamboanga.
“I’m back in the Philippines and I’m training under my brother’s gym T-Rex MMA. The Menace is back. I’m very thankful for all my years in Marrok, they truly helped me a lot.”
The brave decision by Zamboanga to train with her brother Drex will all bare result as she steps up to perform in front of her compatriots.
Follow the writer on Twitter: @burnsports
