ONE Championship: Stamp Fairtex, Ritu Phogat ‘gushing and fawning’ over Angela Lee ‘worrying’, says commentator Michael Schiavello
- Schiavello believes atomweight grand prix finalists ‘subconsciously don’t think they’re on the same level’ as Lee
- ‘I don’t think you can approach a match against the champion with that mindset,’ says the Australian
There was a wholesome show of mutual respect on Tuesday between Angela Lee and the two women vying to take her ONE Championship atomweight crown.
“Unstoppable” Lee (10-2) had called into a pre-fight virtual face off between Stamp Fairtex and Ritu Phogat, who will contest Friday’s atomweight grand prix final, prompting some kind words from the champ and her potential challengers.
But Michael Schiavello, who was hosting the interview, and will be on commentary duties at the Singapore Indoor Stadium for December 3’s stacked ONE Winter Warriors card – was left a little perplexed.
“This was interesting, because when Angela popped on the screen and we brought it in as a surprise, and Ritu and Stamp didn’t know she was gonna pop up, and immediately they were almost gushing over the world’s champion Angela Lee,” Schiavello told the Post.
“I know this was a tremendous amount of respect shown to Angela Lee and rightly so, but it also did worry me a bit because one of these two ladies will have to face Angela next year for the world’s atomweight title.