By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Senior Reporter
IT was a successful showing for Filipino fighters Honorio “The Rock” Banario and Denice “The Menace Fairtex” Zamboanga at ONE Championship’s “King of the Jungle” event in Singapore on Friday after fashioning out decision victories against their respective opponents.
Mr. Banario, the former ONE world featherweight champion who is making a comeback in the division, defeated Thailand’s Shannon “OneShin” Wiratchai in a tightly fought contest at King of the Jungle, which was held in closed doors on concerns over the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
Women’s atomweight fighter Zamboanga, meanwhile, dominated Japanese veteran Mei “V.V” Yamaguchi to keep her record unblemished at 4-0 and earn a shot at the division title.
Team Lakay’s Banario (15-10), with the win, broke a three-fight losing streak and, more importantly, marked a successful return to featherweight after spending some time in the lightweight division.
The 30-year-old Benguet native incidentally was the first featherweight champion in ONE, defeating compatriot Eric “The Natural” Kelly in 2013.
In returning to the division, Mr. Banario said he was very excited as he felt he was in the class that suits him well and it showed against his fight against Thai Wiratchai, who was also returning to featherweight.
The two former lightweights went to war over three full rounds, meeting each other at the center of the ONE Circle with their best offense.
Mr. Wiratchai dazzled behind a consistent left round kick which found a home on Mr. Banario’s chin.
The Filipino veteran, however, showcased beautiful boxing, and a relentless takedown game that saw him in top position for the majority of the contest.
In the end, two of the three judges saw the bout in favor of Mr. Banario.
A STRONG CASE
Ms. Zamboanga, meanwhile, made further strong case for herself as a contender for a shot at the women’s atomweight title currently held by long-time champion Angela “The Unstoppable” Lee.
Heading into last Friday’s fight, the Filipino fighter made it known that she was using it as a stepping stone for an opportunity to battle Ms. Lee for the title.
And she surely delivered on her promise to showcase was she could do, dominating Ms. Yamaguchi right at the onset.
Ms. Zamboanga was accurate and powerful, connecting on a volley of explosive boxing combinations.
By the end of the first round, the Japanese’s face already showed the wear of a warrior who has been through war.
Although Ms. Yamaguchi tried to nullify Ms. Zamboanga’s striking by taking matters to the ground, the Filipina exhibited impeccable takedown defense, stopping most of Ms. Yamaguchi’s takedown attempts.
In the end, all three judges scored the bout in favor of Ms. Zamboanga.
Shortly after, ring announcer Mitch Chilson announced that Ms. Zamboanga had earned herself a shot at the women’s atomweight world championship against Ms. Lee with the win.
In the main event of King of the Jungle, American Janet “JT” Todd became the new ONE women’s atomweight kickboxing champion after dethroning Stamp Fairtex of Thailand by split decision.
Next for ONE Championship is “Heart of Heroes” on March 20 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
