Lito Adiwang says Denice Zamboanga had to leave Fairtex to reach her full potential: “We’ve seen her growth”
When Denice Zamboanga decided to leave Fairtex Training Center in Thailand, some quarters were left baffled. But fellow fighter Lito Adiwang understood what she did and believed it was the right move to make.
'Thunder Kid' shared this in an interview with ONE Championship as he touched on the upcoming title fight of 'The Menace' against ONE atomweight MMA world champion Stamp Fairtex at ONE 167 on June 7 at the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand.
Adiwang shared that Denice Zamboanga had to leave her former team to realize her full potential, which, he said, by and large, she was able to accomplish.
The Soma Fight Club affiliate said:
"Actually, how to put it in words. We've seen her improvement, her growth in the sport. I think before, let's admit, in the gym you won't get as much focus if there's another fighter who's seen as the number one that needs to be developed."
That person turned is Stamp, Zamboanga's former training partner at Fairtex and the one she looks to dethrone.
Adiwang is no stranger to shifting camps as he used to be part of Team Lakay in the Philippines. He moved to Indonesia and joined Soma Fight Club last year, as part of his push to expand his horizon as a fighter.
At ONE 167, Denice Zamboanga is looking to realize her long-standing dream of becoming a ONE world champion. She is currently riding a two-fight winning run.
Prime Video subscribers in the United States and Canada can witness ONE 167: Stamp vs Zamboanga live in U.S. primetime for free.
Team Lakay coach underscores need for Denice Zamboanga to have a solid ground game against Stamp
Denice Zamboanga will try to seize the ONE atomweight MMA world title against reigning champion Stamp Fairtex. To be successful in it, Team Lakay coach Mark Sangiao shared the need for her to have a solid ground game to complement her striking.
'The Menace' will challenge for the world title at ONE 167: Stamp vs. Zamboanga on June 7 in Bangkok, Thailand. It will serve as the headlining contest of the event happening at the Impact Arena.
Asked by One Sports on what Zamboanga needs to do to help in her bid at the world title, Sangiao said the Filipino challenger should have a reliable ground game as standing toe-to-toe in striking against a noted striker like Stamp just will not do it.
He said:
"As a coach, I would tell Denice to take the fight where Stamp is lacking -- she needs to focus on her ground game and wrestling."
Stamp will be making her first defense of the ONE atomweight MMA world title at ONE 167 after she became champion last September.
Out to make it a short reign for her is Denice Zamboanga, the No.2-ranked contender in the division and winner of her last two matches.