Denice Zamboanga had been the top contender in ONE Championship’s stacked atomweight division for close to a year.
But it all came crashing down when the 24-year-old Filipina was dealt a split decision loss at the hands of Seo Hee Ham in the quarterfinals bout of the ONE Atomweight World Grand Prix last Friday during Empower.
“Feels like all the hardwork, sacrifice, and challenges I’ve been through to this journey were wasted. Hindi biro mga pinagdaanan ko bago ‘tong laban na to,” said Zamboanga as Empower was originally scheduled to take place last May but had to be moved due to a strict lockdown enforced by the Singapore government.
“Hindi biro maging MMA fighter.”
Controversial was the result of the bout that resulted in an outpouring of support for Zamboanga not just from the fans but some fellow fighters as well.
That is why for Zamboanga, she is asking ONE Championship to do a formal review of the bout.
Photo from ONEFC.com
“I fully respect the judges’ decision but I know I won that fight last Friday night,” she opined.
“I respectfully request ONE to review the result, for the sake of the integrity of the Grand Prix.”
Controversy had happened in the past during a past grand prix.
Back in May 17, 2019, Giorgio Petrosyan was pitted against Phetmorakot Petchyindee Academy in the quarterfinals of the ONE Kickboxing Featherweight World Grand Prix.
Petrosyan lost the bout via a split decision but the result was overturned to a no-contest due to illegal clinches.
A rematch was set a month later that saw Petrosyan take the win back. He eventually won the tournament.
This time around, Zamboanga cited that she was never in trouble against Ham. In fact, she was in control for the majority of the bout.
Photo from ONEFC.com
“I was in complete control every step of the way. I outwrestled her, outgrappled her, took her down, and beat on her. I made her miss and punished her with sharp counters all night. Although she was able to sneak in a couple of good left hands, and her goal to knock me out,” she recalled.
“I don’t think it was enough to get the decision. She really didn’t do anything in there to win.”
Earlier, ONE Chairman Chatri Sityodtong said that though he had the bout for Zamboanga, he also saw why two judges gave the nod to Ham. He also guaranteed that Zamboanga and reigning ONE Atomweight World Champion Angela Lee will face each other soon.
But for now, all Zamboanga wants is an explanation.
“Thank you so much to all of my fans, especially the Filipinos, for the outpouring of support following my disappointing split decision loss to Seo Hee Ham,” she said.
“I stand by my position, and I still believe I won that fight.”
