“It’s very surreal” - Young phenom Johan Ghazali honored to train alongside legends Nong-O, Superbon ahead of ONE 170

Nong-O Hama (left), Superbon (right), and Johan Ghazali (circle inset). [Photos from ONE Championship]
Nong-O Hama (left), Superbon (right), and Johan Ghazali (circle inset) [Photos from ONE Championship]

Johan Ghazali never expected that his Muay Thai journey would bring him to the inner circle of some of his greatest heroes.

The Malaysian phenom has been training in Bangkok for his flyweight Muay Thai matchup against fellow rising star Johan Estupinan at ONE 170 on Jan. 24 at Impact Arena.

Upon settling at Superbon Training Camp, Ghazali found himself in the presence of some of the most legendary names in Muay Thai and kickboxing.

In an interview with ONE Championship, Ghazali said that training alongside ONE featherweight kickboxing world champion Superbon, former ONE bantamweight kickboxing world champion Petchtanong Petchfergus, and former ONE bantamweight Muay Thai world champion Nong-O Hama sometimes doesn't feel real.

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"It's very surreal to train alongside these incredible fighters because I grew up watching them and to say that I'm training alongside them every day now is actually incredible," said Johan Ghazali.

'Jojo' often trains at his home gym at Rentap Muay Thai Gym in Malaysia, but he's since stationed himself at Superbon's facility in Bangkok to prepare for his ONE 170 showing against Estupinan.

The 18-year-old also entered into a de facto mentorship with the ONE featherweight kickboxing world champion, with Superbon practically taking Ghazali under his wing.

A captivating blend of speed and power, Ghazali quickly rose through the competition in ONE Championship and established a stellar 6-1 record, with five knockout wins, in the promotion.

Ghazali is coming off a gutsy comeback win against Mexican slugger Josue Cruz at ONE 168: Denver and now looks to continue his upward momentum when he faces Estupinan in Bangkok.


Johan Ghazali believes a world title shot is imminent in the next two years

Johan Ghazali knows he has work cut out for him if he wants to take a shot at the vacant ONE flyweight Muay Thai world title.

Nevertheless, the Malaysian-American star believes he could be challenging for the throne in less than two years.

Ghazali said in his virtual media day for ONE 170:

"Honestly, it can happen anytime. If you see the people who've been able to challenge for the belt, they're not very deserving of it. So I'd say, honestly, it could happen anytime. Ideally, I'd like to challenge for it either in 2026 or 2027."

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Edited by Harvey Leonard
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