FILE – Honorio Banario during ONE: Hero’s Ascent press conference. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—Honorio Banario may be fighting an opponent on the short notice, but he doesn’t mind the sudden change.
Originally scheduled to face Timofey Nastyukin in the ONE Lightweight World Grand Prix, Banario will instead take on Dae Sung Park in the ONE: Dawn of Heroes on August 2 at Mall of Asia Arena.
Banario said he’s looking forward to the showdown with Park, who he thinks has a similar fighting style.
“For me, he is a good and complete fighter, but I think I have an edge in striking,” said Banario. “He also keeps on improving every time he steps in the ring, so I can’t really see a weakness in his game. I’ll just find out about it when we meet in the middle of the cage.”
Nastyukhin (13-4) was supposed to be in the competition but a knee injury forced the Russian to beg off, leaving Park (9-2), who is coming off an impressive second round technical knockout win over Kimihiro Eto just last July 12, to come in as a late replacement.
Banario (14-8) l knows Park’s confidence is at a high since “Crazy Dog” is coming off a dominant win.
“He will come in with a lot of confidence because he’s coming off a win,” said Banario. “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 for what will happen.”
Banario didn’t predict an outcome, but he promised that his fight with Park would produce highlights upon highlights.
“I’m sure it will be explosive. If you look at Park’s last fight he’s aggressive and he’s got good striking,” said Banario.