ONE fighter Denice Zamboanga. ONE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Filipino Denice Zamboanga knows there’s only one way to show her ultimate respect for her idol Angela Lee when they meet in the cage.
Zamboanga is the top contender to Lee’s women’s atomweight world title and it’s only a matter of time when their showdown is announced.
“I have all the respect in the world for Angela and what she has accomplished so far in her career. The way she trains and competes, it’s extraordinary. She’s a strong and highly technical fighter. But I have strength too. And most importantly, I have the heart. The world will see two pretty girls put on the performance of a lifetime. I’m ready to go to war,” said Zamboanga.
“Angela, I’m a huge fan. You’re my idol. But because I respect you so much, I have to give it my best. I owe it to the fans and I owe it to you. When we meet in the Circle, it’s fan versus idol. I can’t wait to get in there and mix it up.”
The 23-year-old Zamboanga earned herself a title shot following a dominant unanimous decision victory over Japanese veteran Mei Yamaguchi last February.
But despite being so close to the top, Zamboanga fully aware of what lies ahead.
“I don’t think this is going to be easy at all. It’s probably going to be the toughest fight of my career. I’m looking forward to the challenge and being pushed to my limit. It’s going to be a great fight. We’re going to put on the fight of the year,” said Zamboanga.
The unbeaten Zamboanga (4-0), who remains in Pattaya, Thailand with her Fairtex team due to travel restrictions brought about by the coronavirus disease pandemic, will be the underdog against Lee (10-2).
Her status, however, is also what keeps her determined to do what is necessary to be successful.
“She can go in there and knock me out. She’s working just as hard as I am at the gym. That’s the mindset I have heading into this fight. I have to prepare myself to bring my absolute best into the Circle because that’s what it’s going to take to win.”