Image Courtesy: www.theborneopost.com
Muhammad Johan Ghazali Zulfikar, known as ‘Jojo,’ stands at the age of 16 as a promising Muay Thai talent with audacious dreams within the ONE Championship. Driven by the desire to secure a lucrative ONE Championship contract, which includes a substantial $100,000 (RM460,553) reward, and to clinch the coveted championship belt, Jojo’s journey unfolds as a compelling narrative of determination and skill. In a recent ONE Championship event, he once again showcased his awe-inspiring abilities, solidifying his status as a rising star in the martial arts world.
Jojo’s youth and tenacity not only make him a formidable competitor but also embody the spirit of aspiring athletes with grand aspirations on the global stage, promising an exciting trajectory in the realm of professional martial arts.
In a mesmerizing display of skill, the young Sarawakian fighter left spectators in awe with a spectacular knockout blow that left his opponent, Tai Sor Jor Piek Uthai—a two-time Lumpinee Stadium Muay Thai World Champion—stunned. Muhammad Johan Ghazali Zulfikar, known as ‘Jojo,’ expressed ambitious goals, stating, “My target is to get the ONE Championship contract of USD100,000, but my ultimate goal is to be ONE Championship champion.” Representing Rentap Muay Thai Club, Jojo not only secured victory but also earned 350,000 baht (RM46,000) for his second consecutive knockout. This triumph follows his impressive 16-second knockout in February during his promotional debut, solidifying his status as a rising star in the competitive world of martial arts.
Jojo Creating History
With unwavering confidence, Muhammad Johan Ghazali Zulfikar declared his destiny for the ONE Championship belt, proclaiming, “I feel that the ONE Championship belt is bound for me. I am the future,” addressing the crowd at Lumpinee Stadium. Despite a bleeding cut on his head and persistent taunting from his opponent, Tai Sor Jor Piek Uthai, Johan showcased resilience and unyielding determination. Undeterred, he unleashed a barrage of punches with relentless force, culminating in a powerful left hook-right overhand combo that delivered a devastating blow, leaving his opponent incapacitated. Reflecting on the situation, Johan expressed awareness of the bleeding cut and the potential for the referee to halt the fight, motivating him to exert every ounce of effort to secure a swift victory.
Muhammad Johan Ghazali Zulfikar, at the young age of 16, has set his sights on the prestigious ONE Championship contract of USD 100,000 and dreams of securing the coveted championship belt. Representing Rentap Muay Thai Club, Johan delivered a stunning knockout performance against Tai Sor Jor Piek Uthai, a two-time Lumpinee Stadium Muay Thai World Champion. Undeterred by a bleeding cut and taunts from his opponent, Johan expressed confidence in his future success. His determination to prove skeptics wrong echoes the challenges he faced when aspiring to compete in the ONE Championship, turning his once-grandiose dream into a reality. Grateful for the unwavering support of his parents and coach Addy Singpayak, Johan looks forward to achieving new goals and leaving a lasting mark in the world of martial arts.
Securing the Prized ONE Championship Contract
Sixteen-year-old Muay Thai talent Muhammad Johan Ghazali, fondly referred to as ‘Jojo,’ has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the youngest athlete to secure a six-figure contract with the esteemed martial arts organization, ONE Championship.
This significant accomplishment unfolded after Jojo delivered an impressive liver shot that silenced his opponent, Russia’s Temirlan Bekmurzaev, during their recent bout at ONE Friday Fights 36 in Bangkok, Thailand. Jojo’s victory marked his fourth consecutive win in ONE Championship, showcasing the remarkable skills of the young prodigy from Sarawak.
In a post-fight interview shared on ONE Championship’s Instagram, a jubilant Jojo expressed, “This is crazy… this is crazy! I turn 17 next month — I guess I have a ONE Championship contract before I even have my driver’s license, so this is crazy!” The thrilling match featured intense exchanges between Jojo and Bekmurzaev, with Jojo’s devastating liver shot leaving his opponent stunned in the ring corner. The referee counted Bekmurzaev out just before the bell rang, securing Jojo’s fourth consecutive victory.
Representing the Rentap Muay Thai Club, Jojo not only secured a US$100,000 contract with ONE Championship but also earned a knockout bonus of 350,000 Baht (approximately RM46,000).
Jojo Knocks Out Mexico’s Josue Cruz in Under Three Minutes
Image Courtesy: www.sportskeeda.com
Sarawakian Muay Thai sensation Johan “Jojo” Ghazali delivered an impressive performance, knocking out his opponent Josue “Tuzo” Cruz from Mexico in under three minutes during the ONE 168: Denver match held at the Denver Ball Arena, Colorado.
At just 17 years old, Jojo faced off against the more experienced 28-year-old Cruz in a flyweight bout for the ONE Championship. The fight marked a significant moment for Jojo, as he showcased his talent on an international stage, particularly in the United States, where his mother hails from. His victory not only highlights his skill and determination but also adds to the growing recognition of emerging fighters in the sport.
