Julie Mezabarba faces Denice Zamboanga at ONE Fight Night 9 next Saturday morning. The Brazilian will be looking to win her first fight for the promotion at the second time of asking.
She is coming off a back to back decision defeats but it definitely hasn’t damaged the Brazilian’s confidence. Mezabarba believes she will be able to outbox the Filipina at Lumpinee Stadium next week,
“I have a lot of confidence in my boxing and I predict that this will be the big difference in this fight. I will impose my game from start to finish.”
Jenelyn Olsim vs. Julie Mezabarba was razor-close!#ONE158 #WeAreONE #ONEChampionship pic.twitter.com/PIOmm2z9wg
— ONE Championship (@ONEChampionship) June 5, 2022
Career crossroads
Zamboanga is the #2 ranked fighter in the division and a veteran of six ONE Championship fights. They both have a similar level of experience and it sounds like Mezabarba has been studying her upcoming opponent closely,
“She’s an experienced fighter, just like me. So, I think the danger in this fight is for both sides. Denice has good boxing and a good ground game too, but I see some gaps, especially in her striking.”
She was unfortunate to drop a split decision to Jenelyn Olsim at ONE 158. But it means Mezabarba is facing a potential career crossroads ahead of her bout with Zamboanga.
A third straight ONE Championship defeat would leave her with a very uncertain future. By contrast a win over the #2 fighter in the division would instantly thrust Mezabarba into the title mix.
Julie Mezabarba sharpens her swords ⚔️#WeAreONE #ONEChampionship pic.twitter.com/LgupjkaQTx
— ONE Championship (@ONEChampionship) April 27, 2022
No pressure
While Mezabarba needs no reminding about just how important this upcoming fight is the Brazilian says she doesn’t feel any pressure,
“I don’t feel pressure ahead of my next fight. I don’t see myself like that because I know my potential. I don’t see myself with the rope around my neck because I’ve always given my best to the fans and the organization.”
She is taking on one of the top fighters in the division but believes she is on the same level as Zamboanga and thinks it will be a fight that the fans in Bangkok can enjoy,
“Denice Zamboanga is good. She has a versatile game and fights forward just like me. I think it was a great fight match and believe we will put on a great fight for the fans.”
