Why Honorio Banario was already the biggest winner before he climbed the ring at ONE: Dawn of Heroes

Honorio Banario lost via unanimous decision when he faced Dae Sung Park at ONE: Dawn of Heroes last Friday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.

But little known to the audience in attendance that evening, the former ONE featherweight world champion from Team Lakay was already a big winner even before he climbed the ring.

It was on that very day, August 2, that Banario's wife Jessica gave birth to their first baby Zeus Thorinstone.

"I wasn't able to sleep the night before the fight," Banario shared.

"I was thinking of lots of thing because it's my first baby. That's all I was thinking about and not the fight at that point. I think that's just how it is when you're a first time father."

Banario barely slept after he learned that his wife went to labor the night before the big event. He did all he could while Jessica was in the hospital by closely monitoring the developments of his wife's delivery.

He finally had a sigh of relief when he received word that his partner successfully delivered a healthy baby boy at lunch time. He admits that his big day as a father took his eye off the ball, as he momentarily forgot that he has a fight in the evening.

"My focus wasn't there, but I'm a professional and have no excuse for losing," he said. "I felt so tired and drained when I got to the dugout. I survived the fight, but didn't win."

Banario took a loss on his record. His dream of becoming a world champion again has also gone further out of reach thanks to his latest defeat. Despite all of it, Banario seemed to be in his best mood ever as he felt more than a champion for becoming a father.

"I have a trophy now, and I'm not even thinking about how my last fight ended," he stated.

"I gave my best, gave the fans a good fight but didn't get the win. I can still improve. I will go back to the gym to train then get it next time." —LDF, GMA News