"I've seen how good he is" - Johan Ghazali aspires to become as great as Superlek one day

Teenage phenom Johan Ghazali believes Superlek Kiatmoo9 is the perfect fighter to mold his career after. 'Jojo' was among those enamored by 'The Kicking Machine's latest feat, when he became a historic two-weight and two-sport world champion by knocking out Jonathan Haggerty at ONE 168: Denver last weekend.

Speaking with Nick Atkin during the event's post-fight media scrum, Ghazali said he witnessed firsthand the Thai megastar's greatness and understands why he's at the top of the striking world right now. He said:

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"[I've learned] a lot from technical fighters. Like, I'd say, Superlek. Superlek has been a big inspiration for me. I've trained with him for a few times. I've seen how good he is, how sharp he is."

The 17-year-old Malaysian-American prodigy continued:

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"Yeah, I can't base it off one certain fighter, because I take a lot from everyone."

Before Superlek claimed the bantamweight Muay Thai world title in the main event of ONE's return to the U.S., Johan Ghazali set the tone when he obliterated Josue Cruz in less than a round at the Ball Arena.

The replay of Johan Ghazali and Superlek's remarkable wins at ONE 168: Denver is available on demand for Prime Video subscribers in the United States and Canada.

Johan Ghazali calls out Denis Puric after big ONE 168 win

Johan Ghazali has never been shy about calling his shot against the biggest names in the division, and he's not stopping anytime soon.

When asked who he wants to trade fists with next, the Rentap Muay Thai Gym representative fearlessly called out a ranked opponent who's known for having some of the heaviest hands in the division. Speaking to Nick Atkin, he said:

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"I want to fight Denis Puric"

He went on to add:

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"I know he's a good fighter. I know he won't run. He's strong. He's been in the game for quite some time. And, yeah, I'm sure it'll be a good fight. You know, future versus past-past. Old man, Denis Puric, you know, I'm coming for him, and I get it."

Watch the full interview:

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