Zamboanga wants tune-up fight in Thailand before Lee title clash

Denice Zamboanga in action. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — With her world title shot against ONE women’s atomweight champion Angela Lee not happening any time soon due to the coronavirus pandemic, Denice Zamboanga doesn’t plan on being idle until then.

Zamboanga, who has been training in Thailand since the lockdown, wants to shake off the cobwebs with a tune-up fight as part of ONE’s comeback card set on July 31 in Bangkok.

The “No Surrender” show will be the promotion’s first flagship event since staging “King of the Jungle” in Singapore last February.

“Obviously the travel situation is very hard right now, with so many restrictions in different countries. I understand it has been difficult to nail the logistics. But if Angela can’t come out to play yet, then I want to stay sharp and compete,” said Zamboanga.

“I would love to be on the Bangkok card, if possible.”

The 23-year-old Zamboanga climbed into the top spot of the atomweight class after beating former contender Mei Yamaguchi via unanimous decision in February.

“You know I’ve been training here in Thailand for quite some time now, during this whole lockdown period. I started just training with my brother during quarantine, and it’s been great,” said Zamboanga.

“I’m lucky I have the full support of my family, and that I’m surrounded by people I can trust. I’m just working hard everyday, and I can’t wait to get back in the Circle and compete. It’s what I love to do.”

The Thailand card is still being finalized with more bouts set to be announced soon.