Johan Ghazali says Josue Cruz war in Denver will be "the most important fight" of his young career

Blue-chip Muay Thai star Johan Ghazali has consistently shined under the bright lights of ONE Championship. His road to superstardom will see him step into the circle next with Mexican slugger Josue Cruz at ONE 168: Denver on September 6 inside the Ball Arena.

Speaking with ONE Championship, the Rentap Muay Thai Gym product said about his upcoming flyweight Muay Thai battle with 'Tuzo':

"This fight is one of, if not, the most important fights that's going to happen in my career."

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'Jojo' went on an absolute tear to kickstart his ONE career by posting four knockouts in five wins, which made him one of the promotion's most exciting youngsters.

However, Ghazali faced his most formidable challenge yet this past June at ONE 167 in the form of Vietnamese finisher Nguyen Tran Duy Nhat.

'No. 1' slowed the pace and baited the Malaysian-American into making mistakes, which worked perfectly, and Nguyen ultimately ended Ghazali's five-fight winning streak via unanimous decision.

Johan Ghazali admits to feeling pressure ahead of ONE 168

Johan Ghazali recently admitted that he feels pressured to win his flyweight Muay Thai bout against Josue Cruz at ONE 168: Denver on September 6 inside the Ball Arena.

Ghazali told the Borneo Post Online:

"I do feel the pressure to win in front of my family and relatives from my mother's side, but this gives me more motivation and hunger to win."

The 17-year-old has shown he can hang with the best Muay Thai fighters. If he can pull off the bounce-back win against a seasoned veteran like Josue Cruz, it will bode well for his future.

Tickets for ONE 168: Denver are available via Ticketmaster.