Although Denice “Lycan Queen” Zamboanga will be busy rematching South Korea’s Ham Seo Hee at ONE X, she will keep a close eye on the evening’s main event. To cap off the festivities at ONE Championship’s tenth-anniversary show, “Unstoppable” Angela Lee will defend her ONE Women’s Atomweight World Championship against ONE Women’s Atomweight World Grand Prix Champion Stamp Fairtex.
Currently, Zamboanga is the #2-ranked contender in the same division, and a win over Ham would not only earn her some redemption, but it would also strengthen her case to compete for the World Title.
“Both are great athletes. Angela is the champ. She has been there for so long, and she is a well-rounded fighter. She can strike and grapple,” Zamboanga said.
“Meanwhile, Stamp is the Grand Prix winner. She fought and grappled against great athletes. She is ready to get the belt.”
The road to the ONE Women’s Atomweight World Title shot wasn’t easy for 24-year-old Stamp.
First, the Muay Thai specialist earned a split decision over Ukraine’s Alyona Rassohyna in the Grand Prix quarterfinals. Then Stamp scored a unanimous decision over Brazil’s Julie Mezabarba in the tournament’s semifinals. In the final, the Pattaya-based competitor submitted Ritu “The Indian Tigress” Phogat in the second round to take home the tournament silver belt.
On the other hand, Lee will make her return to the Circle after being out for over two years to focus on motherhood. She last defended her belt against “The Panda” Xiong Jing Nan at ONE: CENTURY PART I.
With Lee and Stamp set for an epic collision course at the Singapore Indoor Stadium on 26 March, Zamboanga made her prediction.
“Stamp is my friend, and I believe in her. She has been training for this for so long. I know she can get this. Stamp will get the belt [by] TKO,” the fighting pride of the Philippines predicted.
When that happens, the Fairtex Gym star will become a three-sport world champion in The Home of Martial Arts. Yet, regardless of how the title fight will unfold, “Lycan Queen” will be ready for her shot – even if it is against her friend.
“I’m willing to fight anyone,” she said. “I have been here just waiting for my turn.” (PR)