Denice Zamboanga gearing up for possible One return

Denice Zamboanga is aching to return to the One Championship circle as well as getting back home. One Championship (file photo)
By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--Don't be surprised if Denice Zamboanga makes her return at One Championship anytime soon.

Zamboanga is actually in Thailand right now for training, and with the COVID-19 pandemic limiting One to hold its events in Bangkok for now, it is possible that she could be called up for an upcoming fight.

"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,” Zamboanga said.

With the COVID-19 situation in the Philippines getting worse by the day, she has to remain in the Thai capital for now with her brother Drex, the current URCC bantamweight champion, and friend Fritz.

However, Denice Zamboanga revealed that she is now on her own as she left the Fairtex team. Despite the departure, Zamboanga insisted it was amicable.

"Even though I am no longer with Fairtex, [Nong] Stamp, Nat [Nutchakamon], Noelle [Grandjean], all my teammates, and Coach DJ [Jackson] are all still my friends," she further said. "I don't think that bond can be broken."

One resumed play two weeks ago with One: No Surrender 1. One: No Surrender 2 took place on Friday night, while a third card also named One: No Surrender will go down next Friday.

Three more fight cards are scheduled to take place on Aug. 28, Sept. 11, and Sept. 18 at the Impact Arena in Bangkok.

Zamboanga hopes to be in one of the four upcoming fight nights as she continues to build her resume for a possible world title shot.

"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, the number one ranked women's atomweight fighter right now in One.

While she gears up for a return to the "Circle", Zamboanga also hopes that she can return to the Philippines once COVID-19 has been contained.

"Hopefully before this year ends, and Thailand opens its airports, and I can fly back home to the Philippines," the Las Pinas native concluded.

Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno_