Apart from Manny Pacquiao, another Filipino athlete making wakes internationally is Denice Zamboanga, serving as an inspiration to millions of women and countless others. In a recent interview with a renowned media outlet, Zamboanga revealed Pacquiao’s influence as her hero throughout her career.

The Filipino ONE Championship atomweight fighter, Denice Zamboanga, is set to face Noelle Grandjean from France at ONE 167: Tawanchai vs. Nattawut 2. This comes after her originally scheduled opponent, #1 atomweight in ONE Championship and close friend Stamp Fairtex was forced to withdraw due to a training injury.

Manny Pacquiao’s influence on Denice Zamboanga

Denice Zamboanga won three fights straight after her debut in ONE Championship. She then lost two in a row, but is now back in the win column with a 2-fight win streak, taking her tally under the Asian promotion to an impressive 5-2 overall. Leading up to her upcoming fight, she was featured in an exclusive interview on EssentiallySports, with our host Raj Sarkar. During the conversation, it shifted to boxing when the interviewer asked her about Pacquiao and his influence on her community.

Denice Zamboanga delved deep into her memory lane, recalling the great influences that have shaped her into who she is today. She said, “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.”

She also emphasized that she is religious and spiritual because of Pacquiao. She added, “Also, he is not just a great fighter; he is also humble and has Christ in his life. I really admire Manny Pacquiao for his hard work.”

Consequently, Manny Pacquiao serves as an inspiration to many because of his humility. Despite being one of the wealthiest athletes in the world, he remains humble, believing in working for the betterment of society. Initiatives such as the Manny Pacquiao Foundation, which focuses on supporting young girls in the Philippines, exemplify his dedication to serving others. This ethos motivates Zamboanga to carry Pacquiao’s honor and pass it on to the next generation.

Denice Zamboanga aims to honor Manny Pacquiao

Denice Zamboanga is on the verge of making her country proud at ONE 167. Speaking to The Sheen Show, Denice Zamboanga expressed her desire to become an inspiration one day to women in her country, as Manny Pacquiao did years ago.

In the interview, #2 ranked contender expressed her pride in her journey and representing the Philippines at the international level. As the nation’s first female MMA fighter, she also hopes to inspire others to follow in her footsteps. “It’s really a blessing because if I get the championship belt, I will become the first Filipina MMA world champion. So it will give honor to my country. I’m always proud to represent the Philippines because there are not a lot of Filipina fighters here. So, to make history, by becoming a world champion.” she said.

Now, with her fight around the corner against Noelle Grandjean, the Filipino has the chance to rise even higher in the promotion. Despite the event not taking place in her home country but in Bangkok, she doesn’t seem to dwell on it. Instead, she sees it as a chance to emulate her hero. What are your thoughts on her ability to surpass Manny Pacquiao’s legacy? Let us know in the comment box.