- George Chung
- Aug 21, 2024
- 3 min read
Johan Ghazali is eager to get back in the win column when he returns to the Circle at ONE 168: Denver on Friday, September 6.
The talented teen suffered his first defeat at the hands of Nguyen Tran Duy Nhat at ONE 167, but showed his grit by firing back at the Vietnamese star through all three rounds.
“There was plenty to learn from that last fight, and that defeat against Nguyen is only making me more pumped up to perform better,” Ghazali said to ONE.
“[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.”
ONE 168 will be the first time the Malaysian-American star will compete on U.S. soil. When Ghazali got the call, he was taken aback that he would be included on the stacked lineup.
Having a chance to compete in front of his extended family for the first time is not something he is taking for granted.
“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,” Ghazali remarked.
“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.”
Standing across the Circle from Ghazali will be Josue Cruz. If there is any trepidation from the Muay Thai phenom, he is not letting it show.
Ghazali is radiating confidence ahead of the flyweight showdown.
“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,” the talented teen said.
“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.”
One of Ghazali's biggest lessons from his last outing is to be patient. While he will still be seeking a show-stealing knockout, “Jojo” plans to take his time and wear down Cruz so that the finish comes naturally.
“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,” Ghazali said.
“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.”
ONE 168: Denver airs live on Friday, September 6, from the Ball Arena. The event is free on Prime Video beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. Remaining tickets are available via Ticketmaster.
