With two of the favourites withdrawing from the atomweight Grand Prix and another losing very controversially there is no shortage of contenders to face Angela Lee. Itsuki Hirata is the latest to throw her hat into the ring.
The undefeated Japanese star announced on Twitter that she wants a crack at the champion:
Welcome back, Champion.
You are my goal and dream. https://t.co/veIv2PqU2H— 平田 樹 (@_itsuki_h_) November 28, 2021
As call outs go they don’t come much more respectful than this. She says ‘welcome back champion’ but makes it clear that Lee is her ‘goal and dream’.
Under normal circumstances a title fight between Hirata and Lee would be the one to make. The Japanese star is undefeated and has a big fan following.
But these are not normal circumstances. The atomweight Grand Prix concludes at ONE: ‘Winter Warriors’ this Friday and the winner of the final has been guaranteed a title shot.
So Lee looks set to face either Stamp Fairtex or Ritu Phogat next. Denice Zamboanga was also promised a title shot before the champion’s pregnancy but whether that offer is still on the table remains to be seen.
So Hirata might have to join the queue but one thing is clear. Everyone wants a shot at Angela Lee!
