“I Shouldn’t Be Stripped of My Title”- ONE Atomweight Champion Angela Lee Sends a Clear Message to Her Critics

After becoming a mother, Angela Lee looks to be relishing one of the best moments of her life at this point. She has her One Atomweight title around the waist and is eyeing all four semi-finalists of the ongoing Grand Prix to outline her return plans. Following a win against Jiong Xing Nan in 2019 for the belt, Lee is yet to appear in action.

While she is currently on leave, a section of the audience appears to be keen to see her vacate the title. Although ONE Championship administrators haven’t indicated that, a few media personalities are raising eyebrows.

The virtual press meet which Angela Lee attended with her siblings saw a minor altercation between the champ and the media person. According to reports, a journalist asked Angela Lee about her title status and whether she would consider vacating it. Lee explained her condition brilliantly and detailed why she should continue being the Atomweight champion.

Angela Lee said, “First of all, these aren’t normal times. There’s a global pandemic going on, which has made it difficult to host a lot of events. It’s been hard for everyone around the world. Second of all, I do think what Chatri [Sityodtong, ONE Chairman and CEO] did make a statement for everyone. It’s not because I’m the poster girl. It’s because this is just a given right. I worked so hard to get to the position I’m at, and just because I get pregnant and I want to have a baby that I shouldn’t be stripped of my title, something that I worked towards.”

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ONE Championship already has a plan for Angela Lee and Atom weight title

The ongoing atomweight Grand Prix has produced- Ritu Phogat, Itsuki Hirata, Seo Hee Ham, and Stamp Fairtex as the four semi-finalists. They will battle each other to earn a shot at Angela Lee. Thus, the division is under complete supervision and has clean plans for the future.

Meanwhile, it is advised that a champion shall defend her belt twice a year, which Lee hasn’t fulfilled. So, there are doubts regarding her championship status. Nevertheless, the atomweight titlist hailed One Championship for standing by her and reflecting goodwill amid business.

Talking about that, Angela Lee continued, “I think that ONE Championship has showed that this is kind of what the standard should be. A woman gets pregnant in her work, she’s supported and she has a job to come back to afterward. I think that I’m very lucky, of course, and I know that it’s going to come with a lot of criticism and hate but I know how hard I worked for this, and I’m not just going to have that taken from me.”

Meanwhile, this massive lay-off can be a bit too problematic for her. The semi-finalists in her division have been thoroughly active and look prominent at this time. Hence, when she returns, Lee (10-2) will clearly come before a tough challenge. Nevertheless, relying upon her experience and skills, she can look forward to retaining the title.

When do you think Angela Lee will return?

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