"Even a Muay Thai legend" - Fans set incredible heights for teenage phenom Johan Ghazali after sublime KO of Josue Cruz
The hype train of Johan Ghazali is now back on its tracks after his outstanding first-round knockout of Josue Cruz in their catchweight Muay Thai bout at ONE 168: Denver last weekend at the Ball Arena in Colorado.
This performance warranted Ghazali a $50,000 bonus from ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong, and his in-ring interview and reaction to its announcement was posted by the promotion on Instagram with the caption:
"HE'S ONLY 17 😂💰 @johanghazali_"
The last-second buzzer-beater victory in the opening round marked the return of the Malaysian-American phenom to the win column after absorbing a unanimous decision defeat at the hands of veteran Ngauyn Tran Duy Nhat in June 2024 at ONE 167.
Due to this latest triumph and impeccable display of power, fans expect big things for him and forecast a bright future for Ghazali. Users @abangmii, @ptp_joe_, @pojie_9, @amirulfareez, and @miles_420I hopped on on his hype train and sent him positive comments:
"Damn bro just made 50k in 3 mins"
"If he continues to improve his skills, I believe he will become a champion and maybe even a Muay Thai legend. But let's hope he doesn't get too carried away with his fame.🙌🙌❤️❤️
"He fights since he is 6yo, he debut in ONE around 16yo with a debut of KO in less than 36seconds, he trains hard, he inspire malaysian, he never got KOed in fights he joined, scary thing bout him is he is till growing, the kid got a future so bright that even if you wear shades the eyes still hurts! what a KID!"
"He is just 17.. and i'm sure it's a lot of hustle during your childhood to achieve this level.. 🔥🔥"
"i've seen enough give him the winner of superlek v haggerty"
Johan Ghazali says that he is here to stay after win over Josue Cruz at ONE 168: Denver
In a recent reaction video post that ONE Championship published on Instagram, Ghazali had a mini breakdown of his winning moment against the Mexican contender and revealed that he was more patient in this match than ever.
Furthermore, he proclaimed that he would be a household name under the world's largest martial arts organization, as he said:
"Honestly, you know I was just going with the flow. You know? I didn't really want to rush anything too much. So, I just took my time, you know, tried to find my shots, 50Gs, Alhamdulilah! I'm going to go have some fun. But then we're back! You know, Jojo is here to stay."
North American viewers with an active Prime Video subscription can rewatch all the action from ONE 168: Denver via the free event replay.