Singapore’s Angela Lee. ONE CHAMPIONSHIP PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—Angela Lee will be keeping a keen eye on the ONE Atomweight Grand Prix and she’s predicting an early exit for rival Denice Zamboanga.
The reigning atomweight champion sees veteran Seo Hee Ham eliminating Zamboanga in the first round of the tournament in ONE: Empower on September 3 at Singapore Indoor Stadium.
“I’m very excited to see Seo Hee Ham when she makes her debut in ONE. She’s definitely one of the most experienced fighters in the tournament. She’s definitely one that I’m going to be keeping my eye out for. I’m very excited to see how she matches up with Denice. That match is going to set the tone for the rest of the tournament,” said Lee in an interview with ONE Championship.
“I would give the advantage to Seo Hee Ham because of her experience. But with that being said, at the end of the day, it is a fight. You don’t count anybody out.”
Lee hasn’t fought since October 2019, when she submitted Xiong Jingnan, due to her pregnancy.
Denice Zamboanga. Photo from ONE Championship
The Filipino challenger, who holds a perfect 8-0 record, said Lee should’ve vacated the belt during her lengthy absence.
The champion, however, has since given birth to daughter Ava Marie in April and is already waiting for the winner of the Grand Prix.
“There’s been a lot of back-and-forth talk, and I’ve seen a few of [Zamboanga’s] interviews. Honestly, I just feel like she is coming off as a little bit entitled. She’s telling everyone that she was the number one contender. Really, that’s because she beat Mei [Yamaguchi]. But honestly, besides that, she hasn’t beaten anyone,” said Lee.
“This is my division and I’ve been champion of this division since 2016. Every opponent, every contender, I’ve put them away. I think it’s been a little while since I’ve been in the cage. Maybe people forgot, but definitely I’m here to stay and I’m very excited to get back in the cage.”
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