ONE: Zamboanga hopes to make ring return in Bangkok

ONE fighter Denice Zamboanga. ONE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Denice Zamboanga hopes her ring return will come sooner than later with ONE Championship scheduled for a series of events in Bangkok until September.

Zamboanga, who is the No. 1 ranked contender in the atomweight class, has been staying in shape in Thailand amid the coronavirus pandemic lockdown.

“Right now I’m just training here in Bangkok with my brother Drex and our friend Fritz Biagtan. I’m very lucky because I can still do what I love to do,” said Zamboanga.

“I just want to stay ready, because anytime, I can get called up to compete now that ONE Championship is hosting events here in Thailand.”

ONE has three more fights lined up in Bangkok on Aug. 28, Sept. 11 and Sept. 18 and Zamboanga is hoping to crack the lineup in one of those cards.

“I really want to fight and compete, so I’m just waiting for that call from ONE Championship. Need to stay as sharp as possible, because the world title shot is just around the corner,” said Zamboanga, who also revealed that she had recently parted ways with her Fairtex team in Pattaya to pursue her own ventures.

“Right now, I need to work on my speed. Speed is a great asset to have in the ring. Of course, I’m constantly working on my striking skills and ground game. Thankfully my brother is here to help me.”

The 23-year-old Zamboanga has been holed up in Thailand since February due to the pandemic, but she optimistic that she’ll be back in the Philippines later this year.

“Hopefully before this year ends, and Thailand opens its airports, and I can fly back, I can go home to the Philippines. Right now the situation is really complicated. I really miss home,” said Zamboanga.

“This is all just a big test, but one test that everyone can get through. I just want to say, stay strong everyone. God has a plan and we just have to have faith.”