- George Chung
- Dec 28, 2024
- 2 min read
The stage is set for an electrifying showdown as Johan "Jojo" Ghazali gears up to face Johan Estupinan at ONE 170 on Friday, January 24. With the spotlight back on him, the Malaysian-American phenom reflects on a rollercoaster year that shaped his journey.
Ghazali’s 2024 campaign was nothing short of eventful. He went toe-to-toe with Nguyen Tran Duy Nhat at ONE 167, tasting defeat for the first time in his ONE Championship career. But like a true warrior, "Jojo" rebounded with a stellar performance at ONE 168, claiming victory over Josue Cruz.
For the teenage sensation, the highs and lows of the year were a transformative experience.“2024 was a pretty successful year for me,” Ghazali shared with ONE. “I had my first loss in ONE Championship, but I learned a lot from it. Now, I’m ready to bounce back stronger and do my best.”
The defeat to Duy Nhat was more than just a blemish on his record—it was a turning point. Ghazali admits it lifted the immense pressure of remaining undefeated and provided him with invaluable perspective.“I realized that life doesn’t stop after a loss,” Ghazali reflected. “No matter what hardships come your way, you’ve got to keep your head up, stay focused, and keep moving forward.”
Now, Ghazali faces a daunting challenge in Johan Estupinan, a rising flyweight star known for his explosive knockouts and unrelenting offensive arsenal. The thought of stepping into the Circle with such a formidable opponent doesn’t intimidate Ghazali—it excites him.
“My biggest goal for 2025 is to break into the top-five rankings of the flyweight division and continue spreading my influence in Malaysia,” he said with determination. “I want to showcase my skills and prove that Muay Thai fighters belong among the world’s biggest sports stars, right alongside footballers and other athletes.”
Staying active is another key focus for the ambitious teen. While his immediate sights are set on ONE 170, Ghazali has his eyes on potential appearances at ONE 171 in Qatar or ONE 172 at the iconic Saitama Super Arena in Japan.
“I’d love to fight in Qatar or Japan,” Ghazali shared. “But my ultimate dream is to bring ONE Championship back to Kuala Lumpur. Headlining an event at the Axiata Arena would be the greatest honor.”
With his sights set high and his resolve stronger than ever, Johan Ghazali is ready to light up the martial arts world in 2025. Stay tuned for what promises to be an unforgettable chapter in the story of "Jojo."
