Honorio Banario picks Eduard Folayang to triumph over ex-foe Amir Khan

Former ONE featherweight champion Honorio Banario of Team Lakay is banking on his teammate Eduard Folayang to emerge victorious when the latter takes on Amir Khan for the vacant ONE lightweight world title in the main event of 'ONE: Conquest of Champions' on November 23 at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.

Banario's five-fight winning streak came to a halt when he came face to face with Khan in China this past September. After exchanging strikes in the opening minute, Banario was caught with a rear naked choke that forced him to tap at the 4:34 mark of round one.

Banario admitted being careless against the young martial artist from Singapore, and said Folayang is unlikely to commit the same mistake.

"I became overconfident in our fight but I don't see Folayang making the same mistake. We all know that Folayang is a complete fighter. He has this style that Khan will have a hard time dealing with," Banario said.

"When it comes to strength, striking and wrestling, Khan will have a hard time overcoming Folayang in those areas. I'm not underestimating Khan, but Folayang is simply on another level. Both are complete fighters but Folayang is a much more experienced veteran," he added.

Banario also revealed that Folayang is much more motivated in training for the upcoming bout. Seeing the ex-champion's form himself, Banario was bold in making a prediction for the upcoming showdown.

"I see a highly motivated Eduard Folayang in training because he didn't expect to be blessed with another shot at the world title. He's just so motivated for this bout and is ready reclaim the world title," Banario revealed.

"This is the right chance and timing for him to get back to his throne. He is ecstatic each and every time he's training. I think Folayang can get an early finish, it won't go the full five rounds. The fans are in for a treat in Manila." —KG, GMA News