‘Show Them What I’m Made Of’ – Johan Ghazali Eager To Bounce Back At ONE 168: Denver
Johan “Jojo” Ghazali is promising an epic return when he steps into the Circle against Josue “Tuzo” Cruz at ONE 168: Denver.
The 17-year-old phenom had a stunning five-fight winning streak halted by Nguyen Tran Duy Nhat in his last outing, but he’s ready to resume his ascent in front of a North American audience at Ball Arena on Friday, September 6.
Rather than feeling down about the decision loss in June, Ghazali has used it as fuel to improve and come back stronger than ever in this flyweight Muay Thai showdown.
He told onefc.com:
“There was plenty to learn from that last fight, and that defeat against Nguyen is only making me more pumped up to perform better.
“[It hasn’t dented my confidence] at all. It’s still there, and I’ve just got to show it in Colorado. The loss does give people that sense that I’m not there at the top of my game, but I’m ready to show them what I’m made of.
“Fans can expect the very same version of Johan Ghazali, the one before my loss. That version had never left. I only hunt for one thing – a knockout.”
Along with its importance for his burgeoning career in the world’s largest martial arts organization, Ghazali’s next encounter also means a lot to him personally.
The Malaysian-American has been desperate to fight in the U.S. ever since he inked his six-figure contract to compete on ONE’s global roster, and he’s excited to showcase his skills in front of his family:
“Man, to be honest, I was lost for words [when I was asked to fight at ONE 168: Denver]. It’s a moment that I’ve wanted ever since I saw the card. Plus, my family – my grandparents, my cousins, my aunts – are all just in New Mexico.
“This is the chance for them to finally watch me fight live. I cannot wait to put on a show for them and for everyone else watching from around the world.”
Ghazali Expects To Outclass And Finish Cruz
Johan Ghazali stormed to a 5-0 start in ONE with four knockouts, so he has every right to feel optimistic despite the setback against seasoned veteran Nguyen Tran Duy Nhat.
At just 17 years old, the Rentap Muaythai Gym representative is regarded as a potential future superstar in Muay Thai, and he wants to deliver on that hype by notching another memorable victory against Josue Cruz at ONE 168: Denver.
Ghazali said:
“Not trying to sound too confident or anything like that, but I believe my striking is way better than what Cruz brings to the table. I don’t think he’ll be able to handle my strikes when we fight.
“I think it’s going to be me putting the pressure on him, trying to score, trying to find that knockout, to be honest. That’s all I can think about now.”
“Jojo” isn’t going to write off the threat from his Mexican rival, but he plans to dominate and finish Cruz in highlight-reel fashion and prove that he’s back in business:
“Ideally, I’d like a quick finish, but I’m not underestimating Cruz. I know he’ll be eager to fight. However, realistically, I think it’ll be hard for him. So, maybe a knockout in the second or third round. A late one would be nice, and it’ll be great to have a bit of drama.
“I want to do the work with my hands, pressure him, break his defense, and have fun. But who knows, there could be a head kick or something that fans have never seen before.”
