FILE – Honorio Banario celebrates after his knockout win over Jaroslav Jartim. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — One of the few bright spots in what was a dreadful campaign for Team Lakay last year, Honorio Banario hopes to carry his momentum over into 2021 as he aims for another world title shot.
“I want to fight more in 2021, and re-establish myself as a top fighter in my division,” said Banario, whose fellow Team Lakay warriors like Eduard Folayang, Kevin Belingon and Lito Adiwang all suffered painful setbacks in 2020.
“Hopefully, I can claw my way back up to a title shot by the end of the year.”
It’s been a while since Banario reached the mountain top.
In 2013, Banario was crowned the inaugural ONE featherweight champion when he beat compatriot Eric Kelly. But he hasn’t had much success as of late with a 2-4 record since 2018.
“I really want to become a champion and hold that belt again. To do that, I have to stay strong in challenging times and constantly move forward to pursue my dreams. That goes for the rest of the team also. We will prove once again that here at Team Lakay, champions are not born, they are made.”
The 31-year-old Banario, though, is hoping that winning his only bout in 2020—a split decision win over Shannon Wiratchai last February—will kickstart his resurgence.
His fellow Team Lakay warriors in Eduard Folayang, Kevin Belingon and Lito Adiwang, however, suffered painful setbacks later in the year.