Denice Zamboanga (left) after the split decision victory for Ham Seo-Hee was announced in the ONE Atomweight Grand Prix. ONE CHAMPIONSHIP PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—ONE Championship said Ham Seo-hee’s split decision win over Denice Zamboanga in the Atomweight Grand Prix will stand following the review of a 14-member panel, according to a report.
In an interview with South China Morning Post, CEO Chatri Sityodtong said that nine of the 14 panelists from ONE’s Competition Committee voted to stand by the result.
The members of the committee are made up of internal and external officials, experts, former athletes, and judges, Sityodtong said.
“It’s just one of these things,” said Sityodtong in the report. “When I look at it objectively, I still believe Denice won, but I respect and can see how the judges scored it for Ham. It went to the committee, and I was obviously wrong relative to the committee.
“I do feel Denice was owed at least a fair due process instead of just leaving it hanging there, but at the same time, I think both Ham and Denice can be very proud of their performances.”
Zamboanga (8-1), who’s still the no.1 contender to Angela Lee’s atomweight title, will now face Julie Mezabarba (9-2-1) in an alternate bout in the Grand Prix after the latter beat former title challenger Mei Yamaguchi (21-13-1) via unanimous decision in another alternate bout during the tournament.
Sityodtong felt that Zamboanga won’t take the news positively but it was a decision the Competition Committee made following a thorough review.
“We did feel some of us that Denice deserves some sort of consolation prize for her performance, and the fact it was a super close fight,” said Sityodtong. “I’m sure when she hears this news she’s going to be super disappointed, but the competition committee does its best to ensure fair play. We’ve had decisions been ruled no contests, but more often we’ve upheld decisions.”