NUMBER one rated female atomweight Denice Zamboanga is excited to compete in the ONE Championship Atomweight World Grand Prix in 2021 and to finally get her shot at ONE atomweight champion Angela Lee.
“I am so pumped for this tournament. I’m looking forward to competing for this ultra prestigious title. This will be the most challenging competition that no female fighter in ONE Championship history has ever faced,” Zamboanga said in a statement.
ONE chairman and chief executive officer Chatri Sityodtong announced recently that he’ll be holding a grand prix for the organization’s top female atomweights and that the winner will have a shot at Lee.
Lee will be out for at least the next nine months because of her pregnancy.
“To all the other female fighters who will be competing, it will be an honor to face you all in this tournament. A lot of people want to see me and Angela fight, so I will get the Grand Prix belt and then I’m on to the Atomweight World Title at the end of 2021,” Zamboanga said.
ONE Championship is yet to release the date, the venue and the fighters that will be fighting in the tournament.
The 23-year-old Zamboanga currently has the top spot after an impressive unbeaten run. Ranked No. 2 is Chinese veteran Meng Bo (14-5), Chinese prospect Heqin Lin (14-2-1) is ranked No. 3, experienced Mei Yamaguchi (21-12-1) is No. 4 and unbeaten Thai prospect Stamp Fairtex (5-0) is ranked No. 5.
After fighting locally in URCC, Zamboanga made her ONE Championship debut with a unanimous decision over Jihin Radzuan in 2019. She finally proved that she’s one of the elite atomweights after an upset unanimous decision victory over Yamaguchi last Feb. 28.
Zamboanga last saw action on Aug. 28 with an impressive first round submission of Watsapinya Kaewkhong via an American in Thailand.
Zamboanga is 8-0 with three wins via submission and three wins by knockout. (EKA)