FORMER world champion Honorio Banario is inspired and raring to go all in in his next bout.
Banario and his wife is expecting their first baby, and the former ONE Championship featherweight world champion is all fired up after he gets a call as a replacement fighter against Timofey Nastyukhin in a lightweight clash on August 2.
“Inspired tayo kasi may darating na baby so I need to work hard and hopefully give him a good future,” said Banario.
Both fighters will compete in the ONE Lightweight World Grand Prix semi-final bout, with Banario stepping in for the injured Lowen Tynanes.
Banario of Baguio City’s famed Team Lakay, is a top contender at lightweight who has won six of his last eight contests in the division and possesses immense power in his hands, particularly his left hook, which has led to five big victories by knockout throughout his career.
Nastyukhin, who shocked the world when he defeated Eddie Alvarez in the first round of the tournament via knockout, is a man on a mission.
With only Banario standing in his way to the ONE Lightweight World Grand Prix Finals, the Russian stalwart will bring his heavy firepower to the ONE Circle, as he looks to end matters early and secure a finals berth.
With both fighters having a knock out power, Banario said he is hoping for a striking match.
“Almost in good condition. Kailangan more cardio, yun ang magiging asset sa laban kasi parehas kaming striker kaya kung sino ang mas mabalis sa laban siya yung may chance manalo,” added Banario.
Banario, who recently loss to Tynanes said the bout against Nastyukhin is an opportunity for him to get back on top of the stacked lightweight roster.
“It’s a chance and I took it so I can go back to the grand prix,” said Banario.