‘Life Goes On’ – Teen Phenom Johan Ghazali Speaks On Hard Lessons Learned In 2024
It’s not an easy path to take, but Muay Thai phenom Johan “Jojo” Ghazali is well on his way toward becoming a certified global superstar. The 18-year-old will soon return to action on January 24 at ONE 170 when he collides with undefeated Colombian knockout artist Johan Estupinan in a high-stakes flyweight Muay Thai tilt at the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand.
Now training hard for that hotly anticipated showdown, Ghazali set aside some time to speak with onefc.com about his 2024 and his plans to keep improving in 2025. After reeling off five straight wins in 2023 to earn a six-figure contract and a spot on ONE’s global roster, “Jojo” began the past year loaded with momentum and plenty of hype.
But in June at ONE 167, he suffered his first promotional defeat at the hands of Vietnamese veteran Nguyen Tran Duy Nhat. Ghazali then rebounded three months later with a spectacular first-round finish of Mexico’s Josue Cruz at ONE 168. Looking back on his up-and-down year, the Malaysian-American prodigy is pleased overall:
“ I think 2024 was a very successful year. It was pretty slow, but it was a pretty successful year for me. I had my first loss in ONE Championship this year, and I learned a lot from it, but I’m ready to bounce back and do my best.”
Indeed, Ghazali showed both resilience and fortitude in making a quick turnaround following his defeat to Nguyen. Wise beyond his years, he took that loss in stride and turned it into a lesson: “I learned that life goes on no matter what, and no matter how much hardship life throws at you, you have to keep going, keep your head up, and just stay focused.”
Ghazali Hopes To Compete In Malaysia In The Future
Johan Ghazali will need to stay focused in order to accomplish the big goals he’s set for himself in 2025. Starting with Johan Estupinan at ONE 170, “Jojo” aims to crack the flyweight Muay Thai division’s official rankings. What’s more, he wants to grow his star power and elevate “the art of eight limbs” in his home nation: “My biggest goal next year is to be at least top-five ranked in the flyweight division and spread my influence throughout Malaysia. Show people my skills and show people that Muay Thai fighters deserve to be alongside other stars from different sports, like football and other bigger sports.”
While the teen admits that he’d gladly accept a shot at the vacant ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Title if it were offered, he plans to enjoy his climb toward the top and challenge for the gold at some point in 2026 or 2027. Beyond his goals in the division, Ghazali is eager to compete on ONE’s biggest blockbuster fight cards around the world. And his ultimate dream would be to headline a return to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where he’d surely be welcomed as a home hero: “I would love to fight in Qatar. I would love to fight in Japan. But my biggest goal is to bring ONE Championship back to Kuala Lumpur, so hopefully ONE Championship will organize another event at Axiata Arena again, and I can headline that card. That would be a dream come true.”
