Johan Ghazali shares where his unapologetic confidence comes from: “I believed in myself before anyone believed in me”

ONE flyweight Muay Thai rising star Johan Ghazali has always been self-assured. While some perceive the 17-year-old's extreme confidence as arrogance, 'Jojo' believes there's nothing wrong with being your own biggest fan.

After all, how can he convince his legions of supporters to get behind him if he doesn't have full trust in his own capabilities?

Speaking with Nick Atkin during the ONE 168: Denver post-event media scrum, the Malaysian-American phenom revealed he knew he was destined for big things even at a young age:

​

​

"I think 13 was too late, you know, maybe 10, nine. 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."

Apart from his prodigious striking skills, Ghazali has already made waves in the world's martial arts organization through his eloquent and unapologetic nature.

The Rentap Muaythai Gym affiliate knows what he wants and is never afraid to say it, even if it means raising a few eyebrows along the way.

Then again, 'Jojo' got humbled when he saw his undefeated ONE record snapped by Nguyen Tran Duy Nhat last July at ONE 167.

Ghazali, though, redeemed himself big time by putting Josue Cruz to sleep in one round at ONE 168: Denver at the Ball Arena last Sept. 6.

The replay of this historic card is available on demand for Prime Video subscribers in North America.

Johan Ghazali says his fans motivate him to give it his all

Johan Ghazali knows that fame comes responsibilities. Regardless if he wins or loses, the 17-year-old knows he must give his 100 percent each time he steps inside the Circle.

'Jojo' said in the same interview:

​

"It's the people. The people who believe in me, because it would be disrespectful for me to half-as* everything if I didn't put 100% of my effort into it."

Watch Johan Ghazali's full interview:

​