Pang loses to crafty Banario

PAPUA New Guinea-born mixed marital arts fighter Adrian ‘The Hunter’ Pang lost a split points decision to crafty Filipino Honorio Banario during the One Championships: Heroes Of Honour bout last Friday, at the Mall Of Asia Arena in Manila, Philippines.
The 40-year-old Pang had the better of his opponent over the last two rounds as he pursued Banario around the ring for the majority of the three rounds.
Banario’s lateral movement and evasive skills frustrated Pang, whose direct style did not mesh wel, with the Pinoy’s.
As the fight progressed Pang began to effectively cut Banario’s space and forcing him to stand and trade shots.
Pang told The National that a number of his recent opponents had employed similar tactics in order to stay away from his strikes and power.
“From the start I was chasing him around the ring I was out striking him, hitting him with bigger shots. And I was just showing better ring craftsmanship,” Pang said.
“My past few opponents have been scared to trade punches directly, so they all try to use a hit and move strategy. I was prepared for it, during the fight I would lean on the ropes and wait for him (Banario), I was dropping my hands, telling him to came in and fight me because we’re getting paid to fight and knock each other out. Those are the ONE Championship rules, you can’t win a fight on points, you win either by a knock out or submission. The more aggressive fighter wins.
“I did as much as I could to hunt him down, and he didn’t want any part of it. Even though he landed some shots, I out struck him 10-1 of what he threw at me,” Pang said.
Pang stated that he was considering an appealing against the decision, and would make an assessment of the situation before taking any further action.