By CARLO ANOLIN
Team Lakay’s featherweight bet Honorio Banario seeks to put himself back in the picture of ONE Championship’s featherweight division.
With a strong resolve entering 2021, the former ONE featherweight champion said Team Lakay has been very motivated to bounce back following several setbacks in 2020 amid the coronavirus pandemic.
“I want to fight more in 2021, and re-establish myself as a top fighter in my division. Hopefully, I can claw my way back up to a title shot by the end of the year,” said Banario. “Of course, my other wish is to be healthy physically, mentally, and spiritually. I wish that for all, not just for myself.”
The 31-year-old Banario, one of the Team Lakay warriors who emerged victorious last year, last saw action in the Circle in February before ONE Championship decided to postpone live events and switch to an audience-free and closed-door setup due to COVID-19.
The Team Lakay stalwart beat Thai foe Shannon Wiratchai via split decision in ONE: King of the Jungle at the Singapore Indoor Stadium to improve at 15-10 record.
The victory marked Banario’s first comeback win since losing three straight in 2019.
“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,” added Banario. “We will prove once again that here at Team Lakay, champions are not born, they are made.”
