KO machine Johan Ghazali motivated to continue meteoric rise ‘anytime, anywhere’ in ONE Championship
Teen phenom Johan Ghazali will go wherever ONE Championship sends him.
Making his promotional debut last year, 'Jojo' has primarily competed at ONE's events in Thailand. But on Sept. 6, the 17-year-old sensation hopped a plane to the United States to take part in the critically acclaimed ONE 168: Denver card at Ball Arena in The Mile High City.
There, Ghazali climbed back into the win column with an incredible buzzer-beating knockout against Mexican slugger Josue Cruz.
Speaking with ONE Championship following his win over Cruz, Johan Ghazali hopes that one day the promotion will head back to his home country so he can put on a show for his countrymen and women.
"I would love to put on a show anytime, anywhere—U.S., Thailand, Malaysia, maybe ONE Championship brings it back to Malaysia."
The last time ONE headed to Malaysia was May 2022 when the promotion delivered ONE 162 and ONE on Prime Video 3 on back-to-back nights. Do you think it's time ONE heads back to the Golden Peninsula?
Johan Ghazali knew he was destined for greatness long before breaking into ONE Championship
Despite still being a teenager, Johan Ghazali knew he was destined for greatness and his performance in The Centennial State only served to help solidify that belief himself.
During his post-fight interview with Mitch Chilson inside the Circle, 'Jojo' looked back on his years working hard in the gym, knowing that one day it would lead him to that exact moment.
"It feels good. It feels amazing. You know, first of all, before anything, I want to say, Alhamdulillah. God has given me everything. And to be honest, if you guys were to ask me 4-5-6 years ago if I would be in the position that I am today, I would say you're damn right. I would say you're damn right."
He added:
"I put in so much hard work, so much consistency, so much everything, and also, literally, blood, sweat, and tears, day in, day out."
What should be next for 'Jojo' following his bounce-back performance against Josue Cruz?
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.