WATCH: Johan Ghazali scores stunning KO over Mexican brawler Josue Cruz in US debut at ONE 168

Blue-chip Muay Thai star Johan Ghazali was out to make a statement in his US debut at ONE 168: Denver last Friday, Sept. 6, inside the Ball Arena against Mexican slugger Josue Cruz.

'Jojo' pushed the pace of the fight to near breakneck speeds early on, but his renewed commitment to being more patient proved to be most impactful. He ended Cruz's night with a crunching left hook knockout in the final seconds of the first round.

Rewatch Johan Ghazali's masterful last-second knockout victory below, which ONE posted on YouTube:

Ghazali's level-headed aggression against 'Tuzo' was precisely what the Rentap Muay Thai Gym star needed to do after being visibly frustrated by five-time Muay Thai world champion Nguyen Tran Duy Nhat's methodical pace this past June.

Prior to his defeat to 'No. 1', Ghazali earned one of the most impressive finishes of his young career with a 36-second knockout of Edgar Tabares at ONE Fight Night 17 in December 2023.

If Ghazali can go on another monstrous run of victories, it might not be long before the Malaysian-American eventually gets his shot at 26 pounds of ONE Championship gold.

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Johan Ghazali earns $50,000 performance bonus

Not only did Johan Ghazali leave ONE 168: Denver with another highlight-reel finish, but also a $50,000 performance bonus.

The 17-year-old joined Johan Estupinan, Adrian Lee, John Lineker, Seksan Or Kwanmuang, and newly crowned ONE bantamweight Muay Thai world champion Superlek Kiatmoo9 as the recipients of bonuses from ONE Championship Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong at ONE 168: Denver.

Fans in the United States and Canada with an active Prime Video subscription can rewatch ONE 168: Denver via the full fight replay.