Denice “The Menace” Zamboanga promises not to take Watsapinya “Dream Girl” Kaewkhong lightly when they tangle at ONE: A New Breed this Friday, August 28, in Bangkok, Thailand.
Though Kaewkhong is making her debut in mixed martial arts and Zamboanga has already established herself as the top contender in the ONE women’s atomweight division, the latter is not one to take chances.
“This Friday might not be the title fight for me, but I want to be active. I grabbed the chance to stay active since I’m in Thailand anyway,” Zamboanga said.
“Right now, I’m treating and preparing for my opponent like I would for Angela Lee, like she’s the caliber of Angela Lee.”
After all, Zamboanga knows what it’s like to be an underdog, because not too long ago, she was one.
“The Menace” entered her match against fan-favorite Mei “V.V” Yamaguchi this past February with the odds against her, but that only lit a fire in the Filipina.
The Quezon City native seized the opportunity full-on. She shocked the world to get a future shot at ONE Atomweight World Champion “Unstoppable” Angela Lee, and she is using that match as a reminder to stay on her toes.
“That was a match that built my confidence. So as an underdog, I know how it feels. It reminded me not to take anyone lightly, and always keep pressing, always keep pushing, because you never know,” Zamboanga said.
“Being an underdog is different. I’ve been there so I know how hard she’s working for this.”
While her showdown with Lee will have to wait, Zamboanga promises that she will compete this Friday as if there’s a World Title on the line.
“I’m happy and excited for this,” Zamboanga said.
“I have worked hard. I have prepared well and I’m ready to go.”
Catch ONE: A NEW BREED this Friday, August 28, at 8:30 P.M. on One Sports and One Sports+ or by watching it thru the ONE Super App.
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