Denice Zamboanga could not fight back her tears hours after suffering her first career loss during ONE: Empower.
In her heart, the 24-year-old believes that she took Seo Hee Ham’s best shots and controlled her much-veteran opponent all throughout the 15-minute affair.
“I don’t what to say. I’m so speechless right now. For me, I clearly won the fight unanimously.”
Despite having less fight mileage compared to the South Korean, the Filipina showed no fear, negating the UFC veteran’s striking by keeping close.
In all three rounds, Zamboanga took Ham down while evading her opponent’s best shots in the stand-up.
And it’s because Zamboanga followed her coach’s game plan to a tee.
Photo from ONEFC.com
“No. Nothing surprised me. I had control. Nasasabayan ko siya sa striking and all,” continued Zamboanga, who had a bandage on her head and some swelling just above her right eye.
“Para sa akin, ako talaga ang nanalo. Hindi ko matanggap and I’m quite disappointed with the judges’ decision.”
Unfortunately, two of the three judges called the match in favor of Ham.
Though believing she won, Zamboanga only has one regret — “I should have finished her for it not to ended up as a decision.”
It was a decision that broke Zamboanga’s heart as it shattered her hopes for a crack at ONE Atomweight World Champion Angela Lee despite being the number one contender for close to a year.
Zamboanga would go on to share that no one from ONE Championship has spoken to her yet. But she hopes that the promotion reviews the bout and maybe give her a rematch.
“If they can review the fight and decide who really won that fight. I really believe I won that fight,” she expressed.
The only thing reprieve Zamboanga has is the outpouring of support she has received.
And she hopes that it sways ONE to give her another chance in the Atomweight World Grand Prix.
Photo from ONEFC.com
“Gusto ko magpasalamat sa mga Pilipino na sumusoporta sa akin. Alam ko ginawa ko yung best ko at ginawa ko yung gameplan,” she shared.
“I hope ONE Championship makes the decision.”
