“I do feel the pressure” - Johan Ghazali motivated to bounce back in upcoming US debut against Josue Cruz

Malaysian phenom Johan Ghazali is feeling the pressure ahead of his debut in U.S. soil against Mexican striker Josue Cruz at ONE 168: Denver.

But, the 17-year-old striker has never run out of confidence, as he plans to return to winning ways after suffering his first loss in the hands of Nguyen Tran Duy Nhat at ONE 167 last June.

Now, Ghazali knows that he cannot let anything slips out when he faces his next opponent Cruz on the stacked card that will go down live in U.S. primetime from inside the Ball Arena, Denver, on September 6.

He told Borneo Post Online during a media day session in his home base, Rentap Muaythai Gym:

“I do feel the pressure to win in front of my family and relatives from my mother’s side, but this gives me more motivation and hunger to win."

The teenage upstart had gone 5-0 before he admitted defeat in the hands of the Vietnamese veteran, and now he wants to prove that he belongs in the winners' circle.

'Jojo' added:

"I want to put on a good show for them and make sure everyone’s time is worth it coming to watch me fight Josue."

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Johan Ghazali believes he has an advantage over Josue Cruz

Young striking phenom Johan Ghazali fully believes that he will have the upper hand when he steps into the ONE Circle against Mexican fighter Josue Cruz.

Having done his homework, the teenage star believes that Cruz is not on his level, based on the two losses and plenty of gaps that he saw before they clash in Denver, Colorado.

Johan Ghazali shared this with Sportskeeda MMA in an exclusive interview:

"Not trying to sound too confident or anything, but I believe my striking gives me the edge against Cruz. For sure. I can't see how he'd deal with me when we exchange."

ONE 168: Denver will air live in U.S. primetime on Friday, Sept. 6. Follow this link to get your tickets.