Denice Zamboanga reacts to Angela Lee, tells her to vacate world title

Filipina mixed martial arts contender Denice Zamboanga was quick to respond to Angela Lee’s recent pronouncement stating she must prove herself worthy of a title shot.

The 23-year-old Zamboanga became the number one contender to Lee’s ONE women’s atomweight world title after she defeated the former two-time world title challenger Mei Yamaguchi via unanimous decision last February.

She then cemented her place in the rankings after she defeated Watsapinya Kaewkhong by way of first-round submission in August. As far as Zamboanga is concerned, she has done enough to get a crack at the gold-plated strap.

“I have proven myself to the world. I am the number one contender. I earned it through beating world-class opponents. I have already faced Mei Yamaguchi, the fighter that almost beat Angela,” Zamboanga wrote on her social media.

“The fight I believe Angela was very fortunate to win. She was in trouble most of the time during that fight. I was never in trouble during that fight. Mei is a great fighter and I have a lot of respect for her. In my opinion, she is a better fighter than Angela.”

Zamboanga and Lee were headed towards an imminent showdown until the COVID-19 pandemic had put ONE Championship events on hold.

Though the promotion is starting to hold events again, Lee has recently announced that she is pregnant thus unable to compete.

“She made a choice to become a mother, which is great I am very happy for her. However, she [must do] the respectable thing and vacate the Championship belt herself and do have to wait for the organization to ask,” Zamboanga stated.

“I am surprised that she hasn’t made the announcement to vacate the belt. Most great champions would do this straight away as soon as they know they cannot defend the belt for personal reasons.”

Confident that she is the next world champion in the division, Zamboanga says she will await Lee’s return inside the cage.

“I hope she does the right thing and make the announcement herself. Be the respectable champion as I always know her to be. When she is ready to come back I will be waiting for her.” – JM Siasat/RC, GMA News