Just like during his bout against tough-chinned Adrian Pang, Honorio Banario is staying patient.
During ONE: Heroes of Honor, the former ONE Featherweight World Champion was up against a 35-fight veteran. Pang, a 40-year-old Australian warrior, was as heavy-handed as they come. To counter it, Banario was light on his feet, weaving in and out when throwing combinations against his opponent.
“Previous na laban niya, matigas talaga siya, hindi siya na-kno-knockout. Isip namin kung sasabayan mo siya, ikaw mapupunta sa laro niya kaya we needed to be wise,” the 28-year-old Baguio-native shared.
“Kailangan hindi tayo sasabay para makuha natin yung panalo hanggang matapos yung oras.”
Even if Banario landed some thunderous shots, Pang did not flinch. Still, Banario was able to pick up a split decision win. And after the decision was read, the prized fighter out of Team Lakay paid due respect to his opponent.
“After ng fight, pumunta ako sa corner niya para magpasalamat for his effort. He is 40 years old but he moves like a 20 year old. I respect him as a martial artist so I thanked him,” he said.
Now, Banario remains unbeaten at lightweight. And with Folayang having been dethroned from the lightweight crown, this is his chance to win a second belt in as many divisions. Still, Banario wants to continue improving before he faces Lightweight kingpin Martin Nguyen.
“Sunod-sunod yung panalo ko tapos sinasabi na top contender ako. Para sa akin, yung ONE pa rin magdedecide,” Banario expressed. “Kahit sino sa amin ni Eduard [Folayang] yung mauna, okay lang. I want to take my time in everything so that I can stand on the top for a long time.
“Panu kung nakuha ko yung belt tapos nawala rin? Sayang lang. Iba pa rin kung maging kumpletos rekados para masarap diba? Kelangan kumpletos rekados para masarap yung timpla.”
