"I expect to be here" - Teenage phenom Johan Ghazali says he was destined for the global stage at ONE Championship

17-year-old Muay Thai star Johan Ghazali recently reflected on his journey to becoming one of the sport's brightest stars under the ONE Championship banner.

Ahead of his flyweight Muay Thai bout with Josue Cruz at ONE 168: Denver on Friday, Sept. 6, inside the Ball Arena, 'Jojo' had this to say in a video shared by ONE on Instagram:

"If you asked me 4 or 5 years ago if I would be in the position that I am today, I would say, 'You're damn right.' All the hard work I put in, the consistency I put in, I expect to be here. Of course, like when you get here, it's still a dream come true. To be around these kinds of legends is amazing because when I grew up, I saw these people like Superman. For them to even know my name nowadays is amazing."

Watch the full video below:

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The Rentap Muay Thai Gym representative had one of the most memorable rookie years in ONE history by going undefeated in five fights with four highlight-reel knockouts in 2023.

Johan Ghazali plans on going all-out with his offense at ONE 168

Johan Ghazali is counting on his heavy hands to bring him back to the win column after his five-fight winning streak was snapped by five-time Muay Thai world champion Nguyen Tran Duy Nhat this past June.

Speaking with ONE Championship ahead of ONE 168: Denver, the Malaysian-American said:

"It's going to be me bringing the fight to him, and cutting out every attack. But I can see him sneaking in a couple of punches or kicks maybe, but that will give me the chance to counter with more power."

Watch ONE 168: Denver live inside the Ball Arena on Friday, Sept. 6.