Johan Ghazali thinks Superlek has what it takes to defeat Jonathan Haggerty: “As long as he doesn’t gas out”
Johan Ghazali believes Superlek Kiatmoo9 has a solid chance against ONE bantamweight Muay Thai world champion Jonathan Haggerty in their super title fight next month in the United States. It is largely hinged, however, he said, on how fast the Thai superstar can adjust to the conditions in the area.
Superlek, the reigning ONE flyweight kickboxing king, will try to add the bantamweight Muay Thai gold when he challenges Haggerty at ONE 168 in Denver, Colorado, U.S.A. on Sept. 6. It will be the headlining contest of the event happening at the Ball Arena and airing live and for free in U.S. primetime to North American fans with an active Amazon Prime Video subscription.
In an interview with the South China Morning Post, Johan Ghazali, who is also set to see action at ONE 168, shared his thoughts on the chances of 'The Kicking Machine' against 'The General' in their super title fight. He expressed some concern over whether Superlek will have enough time to adjust in the Mile High City since he is coming in on fight week itself:
"Absolutely, I would say Superlek is the pound-for-pound greatest right now. The only thing that's keeping me hesitant [to pick him to defeat Jonathan Haggerty] is he's coming to [Denver] on the first of September. I've been here for a week and it's still pretty hard. But I still think he'll take it. His experience, his skills, everything. As long as he doesn't gas out, he'll be alright."
Check out what he had to say below:
ONE 168: Denver will be ONE Championship's second live on-ground event in the U.S., following the well-received ONE Fight Night 10 in May last year, also in Colorado.
Tickets for the event are available for purchase on Ticketmaster.
Johan Ghazali looking forward to seeing action alongside the world's best at ONE 168
Teen phenom Johan Ghazali is thrilled to be competing alongside some of the top fighters in the game at ONE168: Denver on Sept. 6. He said it is a surreal feeling to be on the same card with the people grew up looking up to and admiring
The 17-year-old Malaysian-Americcan fighter is featured in a flyweight Muay Thai match against Mexican Josue 'Tuzo' Cruz at the event happening at the Ball Arena in Denver. Speaking with Astro Awani in an interview, Johan Ghazali expressed his excitement over being part of a stacked event like ONE 168, saying:
"The fighters I'm going to compete alongside in Denver are considered the top or the best of the best in the world now. The best of the best. I've studied a lot of their games, always learn from them and I'm excited to compete together with them on the same card."
Check out what he had to say below:
ONE 168: Denver will be Ghazali's first professional fight in the U.S. and seventh under ONE Championship since making his promotional debut in February last year.