Johan Ghazali says Nguyen Tran Duy Nhat defeat was a ‘great experience’ that spurred him to success in Denver
Johan Ghazali believes his lone loss inside the Circle helped him to become a better fighter.
Storming onto the ONE Championship scene in 2023, 'Jojo' won five straight bouts, including four by way of knockout. Ghazali looked practically unbeatable—that was until he stepped in the cage for a scrap with Vietnamese standout Nguyen Tran Duy Nhat at ONE 167.
The two Muay Thai warriors delivered an entertaining back-and-forth battle, but it was Nguyen who came out on top via unanimous decision.
Since then, Ghazali has bounced back, scoring a buzzer-beating KO against Mexican slugger Josue Cruz at ONE 168: Denver inside Ball Arena.
Speaking with Alex Wendling following his return to the win column, 'Jojo' suggested that his loss to Nguyen was a great learning experience that ultimately led to his success in The Mile High City.
"Absolutely," Ghazali said. "I learned more from that loss from the past six fights before that. So, it was a great experience that I went through it.”
Johan Ghazali wants 'The Bosnian Menace' Denis Puric next
What comes next for Johan Ghazali following his sixth win under the ONE Championship banner remains to be seen, but if the Malaysian-American gets his wish, he'll throw hands with one of the most dangerous strikers in all of Muay Thai.
"To be honest, nobody wants to see someone tip-tap-toe to a decision win. That's just not entertaining. That's exactly why I want to call out Denis Puric," Ghazali said during the ONE 168: Denver post-fight press conference.
He added:
"I want to fight Denis Puric. He's a good fighter, he won't run, he's strong, he's been in the game for quite some time, and I'm sure it'll be a good fight."
Is Ghazali vs. Puric the fight to make following the festivities in The Centennial State, or does 'Jojo' have a little more work to do before he can share the Circle with 'The Bosnian Menace'?
If you missed any of the action, ONE Championship fans in the United States and Canada can watch the ONE 168: Denver replay on demand via Amazon Prime Video.