In the book, Ender's Game, Ender says of Bonzo, “He fought with honor. . . I didn’t fight with honor. I fought to win.” What is the irony in this statement?

Irony can be found in the fact that while Bonzo fought honorably, he lost. Ender, on the other hand, chose to turn his back on honor and emerged victorious. Traditionally, honor comes before all else, but in this instance the author chooses to portray the reality of warfare, rather than the ideal. Being an honorable young man didn't save Bonzo, and Ender's lack of honor secured his victory.