Honorio Banario wants the ONE featherweight title back in Baguio

Honorio Banario of Baguio City’s Team Lakay will strive this 2021 to regain the gold-plated belt he used to have around his waist.

The 31-year-old Banario made history in February 2013 when he defeated his compatriot Eric Kelly to claim the inaugural ONE featherweight world title.

He lost the strap in his first title defense, and after his stint in the lightweight division, Banario is eager to prove that he still belongs at the top of the featherweight division now that he is back in his natural weight class.

“I want to fight more in 2021, and re-establish myself as a top fighter in my division,” said Banario.

“Hopefully, I can claw my way back up to a title shot by the end of the year. Of course, my other wish is to be healthy physically, mentally, and spiritually. I wish that for all, not just for myself.”

Banario suffered three consecutive defeats in 2019 but was able to bounce back in February last year with a split decision nod over Shannon Wiratchai.

He knows all too well that his path to another world title run would be unforgiving, to say the least, but Banario is a firm believer that it is achievable with the help of Team Lakay.

“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,” he stated.

“That goes for the rest of the team also. We will prove once again that here at Team Lakay, champions are not born, they are made.” -- BAP, GMA News