GRUDGES. They’re great motivating factors in the world of sports that give a little extra chili pepper, a bit more sriracha and lots of pop and crackle to the mix.
Through countless seasons, there have been grudge matches of the most exquisite variety. Stemming from well-established rivalries like Ateneo-La Salle in the University Athletic Association, Crispa-Toyota in the Philippine Basketball Association of yore, and the Celtics-Lakers in the National Basketball Association, grudge matches happen when there is history between two parties.
It’s usually a tit for tat exchange that’s been going on for generations. Or it can be just a simple “I wanna get back at you and beat you bad” feeling.
Ultimately it’s a need for an ego boost, or a catharsis. Invariably the end result is sitting on top of the heap when all the forces have been resolved. A feeling of redemption surges. Euphoria ensues.
Denice “Lycan Queen” Zamboanga is aching to get back at South Korean Seo Hee Ham in ONE Championship. Six months ago, the two she-wolves faced each other in ONE: Empower in the quarterfinals of the ONE Women’s Atomweight World Grand Prix. Denice was the reigning No. 1 contender to the atomweight crown held by Angela Lee. But the Korean, called “Arale Chan” ranked No. 3, put a wrench on her ambition to easily challenge “Unstoppable” Lee.
During the furious exchange, where Ham scored on strikes in the third round, a clash of heads gave Zamboanga a gash on her forehead. But the plucky Pinay minded it little, took down her opponent, landed in top position and unleashed a barrage of punches that she sustained till the end.
However, when the moment of truth came, the judges called the fight in favor of the South Korean.
Zamboanga shed tears—angry tears—at the post fight press conference. She deserved to win this, she said, in so many words. Social media erupted with comments calling out the decision. Mainstream media likewise commented that Zamboanga got the shorter end of the stick.
ONE Founder, Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong himself said on Facebook that “I thought Denice Zamboanga beat Seo Hee Ham.” She “controlled the cage work, takedowns and ground action” while Ham landed “the cleaner, heavier punches.”
A review of the fight—the first of its kind—was ordered. But in the end, the decision stayed, dealing Zamboanga her first ever loss in her career.
Now, Denice is ripe for revenge. Her wish to have a rematch with her ONE: Empower opponent will come true in ONE X on March 26. It is the tenth anniversary promotion of ONE, the biggest event ever.
“I can’t explain the excitement! This is what I have been waiting for even after our first fight,” she said.
Zamboanga is out to prove that she truly was the one who deserved to get her hands raised last September and is using the controversial decision to fuel her preparations for this grudge match.
“I’m okay now and I’ve moved on from that decision. I’m using that to push myself to train more,” she said.
Zamboanga is aware of where a win in this fight would take her. The victor likely gets a shot at the winner of the bout between reigning ONE Women’s Atomweight World Champion “Unstoppable” Angela Lee and ONE Women’s Atomweight World Grand Prix Champion Stamp Fairtex, who are facing off at the same ONE X main event.
“This match will be a stepping stone for me to finally be given a chance to challenge the champion,” Zamboanga said, adding that it’s a huge privilege to be part of ONE Championship’s 10-year anniversary show.
“This is so special for me because I will be part of history. Just look at the title fights on this card, and how it’s stacked from top to bottom. You can see how great the matches and the fighters are, so I’m really blessed to be part of it.”
Zamboanga says she will show how much more she has “improved since the last time I fought inside the ONE Circle. I can’t put it into words, but you will see the leveled up version of me. [I’ll] definitely be eyeing for a finish,” she said.
Let the Grudge match begin!