Johan Ghazali "confident" he'll return to winning ways at ONE 168: "I have been training very hard"
Confidence is something that Johan Ghazali never lacks, and he appears to be bringing that same composure into his next fight inside the ONE Circle. The knockout machine dukes it out alongside Mexican striker Josue Cruz in a flyweight Muay Thai fixture.
Their clash will be part of a talent-jammed ONE 168: Denver bill inside the Ball Arena on September 6.
Speaking to Borneo Post Online during a media day session at his home base, Rentap Muaythai Gym, the 17-year-old phenom shared:
"In my previous six fights, I had five wins (four TKOs) and one defeat. I am pretty confident in my next fight as I have been training very hard for the past few months, and I am ready for it."
While not lacking self-assuredness, Johan Ghazali knows he cannot afford another slip-up as he aims to get his defeat to Nguyen Tran Duy Nhat out of the way.
The teenage upstart, who was a perfect 5-0 in the promotion, was handed a reality check against the Vietnamese veteran when they met at ONE 167 this past June.
Despite deploying his usual action-only style, the Sarawak-based fighter had to play second fiddle to Duy Nhat, who had the better sequence of attacks until the final bell.
'Jojo' added:
"This is my chance to get a win back. I cannot afford to suffer another loss. So, I'm doing everything I can on my end to make that happen."
Johan Ghazali lists his main advantage over Josue Cruz
Having done his homework, Johan Ghazali thinks Cruz is not on his level. The Mexican warrior has suffered two knockout losses in as many appearances under the ONE banner, and the Malaysian-American fighter sees plenty of gaps within his defense that will work in his favor in Denver, Colorado.
Speaking exclusively to Sportskeeda MMA, 'Jojo' said:
"Not trying to sound too confident or anything, but I believe my striking gives me the edge against Cruz. For sure. I can't see how he'd deal with me when we exchange."
ONE 168: Denver takes place inside the Ball Arena live in American primetime on Friday, September 6. Click here for tickets.