“I know they're with me win or lose” - Johan Ghazali says he is grateful for unwavering support from Malaysian fans
Rising Muay Thai fighter Johan Ghazali is steadily building his career in ONE Championship and is grateful, among other things, for the immense support he has been getting from Malaysian fans.
'Jojo,' 17, made his promotional debut in February last year and has won five of six matches, with four of his victories coming by way of knockout. Since the start, the Malaysian-American fighter said his hometown fans have had his back.
Johan Ghazali made this known in an interview with combat sports journalist Nick Atkin ahead of his scheduled return to action this week in the United States.
He said:
"Oh absolutely. You know, my support system is outstanding. You know, the Malaysians, I know they're with me, win or lose. They always support me."
Watch the interview below:
Johan Ghazali will be back in action on Sept. 6 at ONE 168 in Denver, Colorado, in a flyweight Muay Thai showdown against Mexican Josue 'Tuzo' Cruz. He is out for a bounce-back victory in the event after absorbing his first defeat in the promotion in his last fight back in June.
ONE 168 will take place at the Ball Arena, home of the NBA's Denver Nuggets. It will air live and for free in U.S. primetime to North American fans with an active Amazon Prime Video subscription. Tickets for the event are available via Ticketmaster.
Johan Ghazali always wanted to be part of ONE 168: Denver
When it was announced that ONE Championship will be returning to the U.S. for ONE 168: Denver on Sept. 6, Johan Ghazali did not hide his excitement and desire to be part of it. And now that it is to be realized, he is thankful for the opportunity.
The Sarawak-based Malaysian-American fighter spoke about the Denver event in an interview with the South China Morning Post in March, highlighting how competing in the U.S. would be a homecoming of sorts for him.
Ghazali said:
"Of course, man. Of course. I have family in the U.S. They're in New Mexico. I saw the next fight is going to be in Denver. It's in Colorado. It's easy for my family to go up and watch."
He added:
"Of course, if they offer me that fight, I'm going. 100 percent. No doubt."
At ONE 168: Denver, Johan Ghazali will be facing off with Mexican Josue Cruz in a flyweight Muay Thai joust. He is up against an opponent in 'Tuzo' who is out to get a breakthrough victory after opening his ONE Championship journey with back-to-back losses.