Denice Zamboanga Hints at Kickboxing and Boxing Move Ahead of ONE 167 Clash: “Want to Challenge Myself”
ONE Championship’s Women’s Atomweight sensation, Denice Zamboanga, is gearing up for a high-stakes showdown against Noelle Grandjean at ONE 167: Tawanchai vs. Jo Nattawut II, scheduled for June 7th at Impact Arena in Bangkok. Originally, Zamboanga was set to clash with current ONE Women’s Atomweight MMA World Champion, Stamp Fairtex, in the main event. However, a sudden injury to Fairtex disrupted these plans. Despite the setback, ONE Championship CEO Chatri Sityodtong provided Zamboanga another opportunity to compete, although this time in a regular Atomweight MMA bout rather than a world title fight.
Ahead of this anticipated match, Zamboanga has voiced a compelling interest in branching out into other combat sports, specifically boxing and kickboxing. In a candid conversation with EssentiallySports, she revealed her aspirations to diversify her fighting portfolio, echoing the path of her contemporary, Stamp Fairtex.
Zamboanga claimed, “For me, as an MMA fighter, it’s truly an amazing experience to compete in different combat sports. Right now, MMA remains my focus.” Continuing further, she added, “But I definitely want to challenge myself by trying boxing and kickboxing in the future.”
Denice Zamboanga’s Ambition: A Switch to Kickboxing and Boxing
Since making her mark in ONE Championship, Denice Zamboanga has harbored ambitions of dominating the MMA world. Yet, her journey has not been devoid of obstacles, including a notable setback in a recent bout. Despite these challenges, Zamboanga remains undeterred and is now looking beyond the confines of MMA.
In an exclusive interview, the 27-year-old athlete disclosed her admiration for multi-discipline fighters like Stamp Fairtex, who holds titles across three different combat sports. Zamboanga expressed, “For me, as an MMA fighter, it’s truly an amazing experience to compete in different combat sports. Right now, MMA remains my focus. But I definitely want to challenge myself by trying boxing and kickboxing in the future.” This statement underscores her ambition to emulate Fairtex’s success and expand her prowess across various fighting styles.
Inspirations Behind Zamboanga’s Aspirations
While Fairtex’s achievements serve as a partial inspiration, Zamboanga’s desire to cross over into boxing and kickboxing is deeply rooted in her admiration for other legends, notably Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao. Since childhood, Pacquiao’s relentless work ethic and indomitable spirit have significantly influenced Zamboanga’s athletic journey.
Reflecting on this influence, Zamboanga shared, “You know, it’s really Manny Pacquiao who inspires me. Not only me but most athletes in the Philippines because of the way he trains, the hard work he puts in, and the fighting spirit he has in the ring.” Pacquiao’s legacy has clearly ignited a fire within Zamboanga to push her boundaries and pursue excellence in multiple combat disciplines.
“You know, it’s really Manny Pacquiao, really inspiring. Not only for me but most of the athletes in the Philippines because of the way he trains, the hard work he puts in training, and the fighting spirit he has in the ring,” the fighter added.
The Road Ahead: Zamboanga’s Fight Against Grandjean
As Zamboanga prepares for her upcoming fight against Noelle Grandjean, she remains steadfast in her pursuit of becoming a ONE Championship MMA World Champion. This bout represents a critical step in her journey, one that could potentially set the stage for her to venture into kickboxing and boxing. The fighter’s resilience and determination to overcome setbacks highlight her as a formidable contender in the atomweight division.
While her immediate focus remains on MMA, Zamboanga’s vision for the future includes testing her mettle in boxing and kickboxing, drawing from the examples set by her idols. With the fight against Grandjean just around the corner, Zamboanga’s fans eagerly await to see if she can channel the inspiration from legends like Pacquiao and Fairtex to achieve new heights in her career.
Editor’s Note: The Evolution of a Fighter
Denice Zamboanga’s journey is emblematic of the dynamic nature of modern combat sports. Her willingness to challenge herself by stepping into different fighting arenas speaks volumes about her dedication and versatility. As she stands on the brink of another significant bout, her story continues to inspire many aspiring fighters who look up to her as a role model. Whether she succeeds in kickboxing or boxing remains to be seen, but her drive and determination ensure that her name will be remembered in the annals of combat sports history.
