But with three weeks to spare from their showdown, the bout was called off as the Russian withdrew from the tournament because of an injury.
Thankfully for Banario, ONE Championship found a replacement for him quickly.
The Team Lakay stalwart is now slated to face “Crazy Dog” Dae Sung Park, who is coming off a second-round technical knockout victory on the undercard of ONE: Masters of Destiny last Friday, July 12 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Upon looking at the match-up, Banario believes that they both have certain advantages.
“He will come in with a lot of confidence because he’s coming off a win,” Banario said. “I’m sure his morale is very high. That’s his advantage.
“But for me, I’ve been training well for a high-level opponent, and I’m prepared with what will happen.”
Banario regrets the missed opportunity to compete at the prestigious ONE Lightweight World Grand Prix. What is more important for him is that he will still compete in Manila, since his wife, Jessica, is due to give birth in the same month.
“I will face anybody just so I can continue to compete,” Banario said. “I’m laser-focused. Training has been intense, and the game plan is pretty much the same. What’s important is that we win.
“It’s really vital that we get to continue to train and compete. What would be a bummer is if I reach my peak only to find out I won’t be fighting anyone anymore,” he added.
“That’s why I’m thankful to ONE Championship – because they were quick to look for a replacement.”
He might not be facing Nastyukhin anymore, but Banario nonetheless promises an exciting match-up against Park.
“I’m sure it will be explosive. If you look at [Park’s] last fight, he’s aggressive and he’s got good striking,” Banario said.
There is no question this will be one of the more exciting fights on 2 August at ONE: Dawn of Heroes.
