"I'm still learning" - Johan Ghazali denies underestimating Nguyen Tran Duy Nhat after shocking loss

Flyweight Muay Thai rising star Johan Ghazali saw his unbeaten run in ONE Championship snapped by Nguyen Tran Duy Nhat at ONE 167 last June.

'Jojo' was knocking out foes left and right prior to that showdown, and was largely expected to do the same against his much older Vietnamese opponent.

However, 'No.1' launched a methodical mid-range assault using his elite kicking repertoire to humble the 17-year-old phenom after three rounds.

Ghazali recently addressed the setback in an exclusive interview with Sportskeeda MMA.

The Malaysian-American quickly dispelled notions that he was way too overconfident and paid the price for looking down on Nguyen. He said:

"I didn't underestimate Nguyen. I estimated him for what he is, a true experienced fighter."

Instead, the Rentap Muaythai Gym affiliate attributed his inexperience fighting in the ring as the main culprit for his lackluster performance, adding:

"But yeah, I underestimated the difference between the ring and the Circle. I'm still learning and still finding ways to adapt to that."

Meanwhile, Johan Ghazali will have a shot at redemption in ONE's monumental return to the United States on Sept. 6.

The teenage striking prodigy will duke it out with Josue Cruz in a three-round slugfest at ONE 168: Denver, which will take place at the Ball Arena.

Johan Ghazali eager to right his wrongs at ONE 168

As the bitter taste of defeat still lingers in his mouth, Johan Ghazali can't wait to silence his detractors.

'Jojo' licked his wounds and went right back to work in training to polish his shortcomings.

Ghazali told Sportskeeda MMA:

"We've implemented a lot of things. We've trained our footwork, how to move forward, how to cut off the Circle, and yeah, we've changed a few things."

Needless to say, Ghazali will have a point to prove against Cruz at ONE 168: Denver. Tickets for this stacked card are available via Ticketmaster.