Manila, Philippines – The stunning career resurgence of Banario as a lightweight division mainstay of the ONE Championship continued when he edged out perennial contender Adrian Pang after three rounds last April 20 in Heroes of Honor at the Mall of Asia Arena.
After suffering a defeat in the ONE Featherweight World Championship title fight and going on a five-bout skid, Banario has completely recreated himself at lightweight.
He now finds himself riding a five-bout win streak and breaking into the upper tier of the division towing his 13-6 fight record.
Banario showcased his pinpoint striking early on the fight, peppering Pang with his patented left hook and razor-sharp kicks. Banario utilized his footwork and head movement early in the first round, dishing a combination counter each time Pang connects.
Although Pang boldly traded strikes with his Filipino foe and found success in landing hard body shots, Banario showed superiority in ring generalship, creating spaces to clobber his opponent with long jabs and snapping kicks to the body.
The frustrated Pang continued to pressure forward amidst Banario’s combinations that were finding their targets.
Pang kept his composure as the round progressed and seemed to turn the tide midway through the second round by landing some of his power strikes.
The final round came to a start the same as the other two, with Pang hunting, and Banario bouncing around the outside. Pang was the aggressor as the match wore on, forcing “The Rock” to back pedal.
Banario, however, still found a way to reverse the tide in his favor by moving forward towards the end of the bout and took home the split decision.
By: ARMANDO BOLISLIS
