ONE chief says controversial Zamboanga-Ham bout under formal review
Denice Zamboanga takes down Ham Seo-hee during their Atomweight World Grand Prix quarterfinal match in ONE: Empower. Photo from ONE Championship
MANILA, Philippines—ONE Championship CEO Chatri Sityodtong announced on Sunday that the match between Denice Zamboanga and Ham Seo-hee in the Atomweight Grand Prix is now under formal review.
Sityodtong posted on social media that the promotion’s Competition Committee is handling the review of the controversial bout that saw Ham take the split decision win.
“I thought Denice Zamboanga beat Seo Hee Ham. While I disagree with the judges, I can understand why they scored the bout for Ham. It was a close fight with Ham landing the cleaner, heavier punches and Denice controlling the cage work, takedowns, and ground action,” posted Sityodtong on Facebook.
“Despite the loss, I definitely want to see Denice vs. Angela for the world title.”
Zamboanga (8-1), who lost her first professional fight, also posted on her Instagram her request for the promotion to review the bout.
“I fully respect the judges’ decision, but I know I won that fight last Friday night,” said Zamboanga. “I respectfully request ONE to review the result, for the sake of the integrity of the Grand Prix.”
This isn’t the first time that ONE put a Grand Prix fight under official review.
Back in May 2019, Giorgio Petrosyan lost to Phetmorakot Petchyindee Academy via split decision in the quarterfinals of the Kickboxing Featherweight World Grand Prix.
A review was conducted and the result was overturned into a no-contest due to illegal clinches with a rematch between Petrosyan and Phetmorakot ordered the following month.
