"Controlling the pace and winning every exchange" - Johan Ghazali lists his keys to victory over Josue Cruz at ONE 168: Denver

Malaysian-American striker Johan Ghazali refuses to play second fiddle in his flyweight Muay Thai clash against Josue Cruz at ONE 168: Denver on Sept. 6.

Instead, the 17-year-old, who heads into this showdown off a first promotional loss to Nguyen Tran Duy Nhat, knows he'll have to dictate the pace, strike first, and make sure he tops the Mexican slugger in every duke-out session inside Ball Arena early next month.

Speaking exclusively to Sportskeeda MMA, the Rentap Muay Thai Gym man broke down the key areas that should earn him a win in his upcoming fight:

"I can't see me fighting at his pace. I simply can't. It's going to be me controlling the pace and winning every exchange. That will be what I need to get the win."

Though it seems like a straightforward task to execute, Johan Ghazali knows 'Tuzo' will be preparing himself for an absolute war.

The Mahmoudi Gym Mexico affiliate wants to get his career back on track and earn his first win in his promotional campaign. With that in mind, the Sarawak-based warrior isn't going to take things lightly one bit.

He continued:

"I cannot take Cruz for granted, you know. We're going to fight on a big card, and I believe he'd bring a very tough style."

---

Johan Ghazali names three fighters he wants to face next

If he passes his next assignment with flying colors — and perhaps a statement finish — Johan Ghazali has three warriors he'd like to take on next.

In a separate interview with the South China Morning Post, he stated:

"I want to fight Denis Puric...old man experience. Jacob Smith, who's fighting Rodtang next, me and him could get it on. Freddie [Haggerty], like I said, me and Freddie would be a pretty big fight, I think."

ONE 168: Denver, which emanates live in U.S. primetime from Ball Arena on Sept. 6, is available to all active Amazon Prime Video subscribers for free. Get your tickets on Ticketmaster.