“I take the good and leave the bad” - Johan Ghazali takes inspiration in fighting career from Muhammad Ali, Conor McGregor
17-year-old Malaysian teenage sensation 'Jojo' Johan Ghazali is riding high on the thrill of victory following his explosive knockout victory over Josue Cruz at ONE 168: Denver a few weeks ago.
The Muay Thai rising star has proven to be a rare combination of sublime skill and mainstream appeal. Ghazali has that boyish charm and superstar potential, which he hopes would translate into worldwide success like his combat sports idols.
Speaking to the media at the ONE 168: Denver official press conference, Ghazali revealed who he takes inspiration from in the fight game.
'Jojo' said:
"I look at all sorts of fighters. I take the good and leave the bad. Historically, like you said, Muhammad Ali, Conor McGregor, he is a kind of promoter who brings new fans into the sport. I take a lot from those kinds of fighters."
Ghazali was last seen delivering a savage beatdown of Mexico's Josue Cruz. The two fought at ONE 168: Denver on September 6, before a packed American crowd at the Ball Arena.
'Jojo' took home the victory via first-round knockout.
Fans in the United States and Canada can catch all the action of ONE 168: Denver via replay on demand with an active Amazon Prime Video subscription.
Johan Ghazali on rise to superstar status in ONE Championship: "I believed in myself before anyone believed in me"
If you ask 'Jojo' Johan Ghazali himself whether or not he knew he would become a household name in Malaysia as a martial artist, he would answer you with a resounding yes.
The 17-year-old is full of confidence and exudes it on the mic. He has a natural gift for getting people excited to see him fight.
Ghazali said:
"I don't know. I've always had confidence. I believed in myself before anyone believed in me, before anyone thought I could go anywhere or do anything, I knew I could do it."
Stay tuned to Sportskeeda MMA for all the latest news and updates surrounding Johan Ghazali's next fight.