Rising teen phenom Johan Ghazali’s hot streak in ONE Championship got snapped in his last bout, so he’s more motivated than ever to show out in his upcoming tie.

“Jojo” is set to return to action in a flyweight Muay Thai bout against Mexican striker Josue “Tuzo” Cruz at ONE 168: Denver on Friday, September 6, inside Ball Arena in Denver Colorado.

Johan Ghazali poised for redemption against “Tuzo” after a tough loss to Nguyen Tran Duy Nhat

After racking up four finishes in five straight wins in the world’s largest martial arts organization, Ghazali was riding high heading into his last battle with Nguyen Tran Duy Nhat at ONE 167 this past June.

Unfortunately, the Vietnamese veteran utilized his vast experience to avoid the 17-year-old’s best shots and pick up a unanimous decision win. In a recent interview with ONE, Ghazali discussed how he has reflected on that defeat and used it to ready himself for Cruz.

“[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,” he said.

The Malaysian-American sensation will need every bit of self-belief he can muster against “Tuzo,” who went undefeated in his first 17 fights before his move to ONE Championship in 2022.

Ghazali Determined to Deliver a Knockout Performance at ONE 168

The 28-year-old has failed to find success in his first two promotional showings, but many could argue that makes him even more dangerous ahead of ONE 168, as he is likely viewing his bout with Ghazali as a “do or die” affair.

Nonetheless, “Jojo” is laser-focused on getting the win in front of a new fanbase in Colorado.
He has shown his prodigious skill set on numerous occasions in ONE, and he promises those who have seen him in action that he’ll bring that same fire on September 6.

“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,” Ghazali said.