Denice Zamboanga. Photo from ONE Championship
MANILA, Philippines — Denice Zamboanga isn’t backing down from any challenge, and being called out by Chinese contender Meng Bo is no exception.
Zamboanga, the No. 1 ranked atomweight, clapped back at Meng, who claimed she would knockout the unbeaten Filipino inside two rounds.
“I was actually expecting her to finish her unranked opponent, but it didn’t happen. I enjoyed watching it,” said Zamboanga, who was unimpressed by Meng’s showing.
“Of course, I’m always open to facing anyone they put me in the Circle with. Meng Bo is the No. 2 ranked atomweight, so we will meet sooner or later. I know at some point, whether it’s in the tournament, or outside of it, we will fight.”
Chinese contender Meng Bo. ONE CHAMPIONSHIP PHOTO
Both Zamboanga and Meng are expected to be part of ONE Championship’s Atomweight World Grand Prix where the winner of the tournament will challenge reigning champion Angela Lee.
“Right now I’m just enjoying my time here training with my new team here at Marrok Force. It’s good to have this solid support system by me all the time. We help each other get better and improve, and we’re always in shape because that fight offer could come at any time,” Zamboanga said.
“I’m excited this year because there are a lot of possibilities. I’m really motivated to take my career to the next level.”
The 24-year-old Zamboanga, who’s been busy training in Bangkok, Thailand, holds a 5-0 record, including 3-0 since making his ONE Championship debut in December 2019.
She scored a first-round submission over Watsyapinya Kaewkhong five months ago in her last bout.
Meng (15-5), meanwhile, is also unscathed in her last five fights. She beat Samara Santos via unanimous decision last Friday in ONE: Unbreakable in Singapore.
“We were supposed to fight last year, but COVID happened and it was canceled. I couldn’t fly to Singapore at that time,” said Meng, who also described Zamboanga’s game as “only good at punching and nothing else.”
“But I must say, Denice was lucky that fight got canceled. If we were in the ring together, without a shadow of doubt, I would beat her up and take her spot as the No. 1 ranked atomweight in the division.”