Denice Zamboanga did not take too kindly to Meng Bo’s recent comments about her.
Coming of an impressive performance against Samara Santos during ONE: Unbreakable, Meng took a dig at Zamboanga saying, “We were supposed to fight last year, but COVID happened and it was cancelled. I couldn’t fly to Singapore at that time.
“But I must say, Denice was lucky that fight got cancelled. If we were in the ring together, without a shadow of a doubt, I would beat her up and take her spot as the number one ranked atomweight in the division.”
Meng continued by saying that Zamboanga, who trains out of Marrok Force, is just a boxer and not a true mixed martial artist.
“Denice is a stubborn and tough fighter. But if I was to identify her strength, she’s only good at punching, nothing else,” the cocky Chinese fighter continued.
Zamboanga then responded to Meng’s call out. The 24-year-old rising star took a subtle swipe at the Chinese fighter’s performance, but also welcomed a possible showdown.
“I was actually expecting her to finish her unranked opponent, but it didn’t happen. I enjoyed watching it,” Zamboanga criticized Meng’s performance.
“Of course, I’m always open to facing anyone they put me in the Circle with. Meng Bo is the number two-ranked atomweight, so we will meet sooner or later. I know at some point, whether it’s in the tournament, or outside of it, we will fight.”
Zamboanga is currently training at their new gym in Bangkok – Marrok Force – where she continues to hone her skills alongside older brother Drex Zamboanga and teammate Fritz Biagtan.
The topflight Filipina mixed martial arts star is preparing herself for a possible entry into the much-talked-about ONE Atomweight World Grand Prix.
Many expect Zamboanga and Meng to be among eight participants in the said tournament. The winner will earn the right to challenge reigning ONE Women’s Atomweight World Champion Angela Lee when she returns from giving birth to her first child later this year.
Zamboanga says her training is coming along just fine. Her goal remains to bring the ONE World Title home to the Philippines before the year ends.
“Right now I’m just enjoying my time here training with my new team here at Marrok Force. It’s good to have this solid support system by me all the time. We help each other get better and improve, and we’re always in shape because that fight offer could come at any time,” Zamboanga said.
“I’m excited this year because there are a lot of possibilities. I’m really motivated to take my career to the next level. To all my fans in the Philippines, thank you for the love and support. I appreciate it and I promise I will do my best in every fight. Let’s get that world title this year!”
