By Jun Ray Navarres
After a dominating performance against “Dream Girl” Watsapinya Kaewkhong of Thailand in ONE: A NEW BREED, Denice “The Menace” Zamboanga is ready to take on the reigning ONE Women’s Atomweight Champion Angela Lee.
The quick and flawless victory of the undefeated 23-year-old earned herself a shot at the division’s queen following impressive victories over top-rated opponent Jihin “Shadow Cat” Radzuan and former ONE World Title challenger Mei “V.V” Yamaguchi .
The No. 1-ranked contender to ONE Women’s Championship Atomweight belt submitted the “Dream Girl” in 88 seconds to end the match in the first round.
“She (Watsapinya) had good control, but I think I was just able to overpower her. Of course, I couldn’t afford to lose that fight. My goal was to get the win and nothing else,” said Zamboanga.
Zamboanga snatched a quick takedown, and then secured side control after establishing her dominance in the striking exchanges; from there, she worked on cranking out an Americana, and the tap came shortly after.
“I didn’t expect to submit her so easily, by Americana no less. I wanted to strike with her, that’s what I was planning to do. But the submission was there, so I took the chance and I got the win. That’s the important thing,” said Zamboanga, who earned her first win via submission.
The only hindrance to her possible title shot against Angela is the increased security between national borders due to the on-going Coronavirus pandemic which makes it almost impossible to put up events in Asia.
In order to keep herself fit for stopping her idol the “Unstoppable”, Denice is open for tune-up fights.
“Once the world goes back to normal, I think I’m ready to face Angela. But if the situation stays like this for some time, and if ONE Championship is giving me the chance to fight again, then I’ll take another fight,” Zamboanga added.
Zamboanga currently remains in Thailand to continue riding out Covid-19; she hopes to return home to Manila before the year ends.
Follow the writer on Twitter: @burnsports
