Losing streak sparks Banario’s ONE resurgence

MANILA, Philippines — Before winning five straight matches, Honorio Banario actually lost five straight fights.

And having to go through that ordeal, according to the charming Team Lakay striker, is what groomed him to the fighter that he is now.

“Losing those five straight bouts was devastating for me, but it also taught me how to be resilient and keep hope,” he told ONE Championship.

Banario, a former featherweight kingpin, noted that he is hungrier now more than ever, despite having collected a string of victories.

"I’m hungry and I’m in the best shape of my life. I feel very strong and I believe I can handle any opponent,” he added.

And standing on his way is Singaporean Amir Khan, who has been only dealt with two losses in his pro career.

"This next bout is very important and I have to show that I am right to be considered among the best in the division. Amir is a young and hungry lion and he will be a very difficult opponent,” he added.

Not only is Banario riding on the momentum of personal stellar victories, but he will also be drawing a big boost from Team Lakay and the Philippines’ unblemished outing in the recent showpiece in the capital last July.

But despite all that, Banario, who has long known firsthand how losing hurts, said he  is bracing for an unpredictable Khan.

“I am prepared to go the distance with him, but I will be looking for every opportunity to finish the bout early,” he noted.

Banario, who now touts a 13-6 record as a pro, will stake his unbeaten run against the 10-3 Khan on September 8 in Shanghai, China, in the main event of “Beyond the Horizon” card at the Baoshan Arena.

"I just want to beat whoever they put in front of me. If that leads to another shot at the world title, then I’m okay with it. As a martial artist, I just want to work on my skills and test myself against the best,” Banario closed.