"We are showcasing the next generation" - Johan Ghazali on why clash vs. Colombian firecracker 'makes perfect sense'

Besides pitting two of the most ferocious knockout artists, Johan Ghazali thinks his clash alongside Johan Estupinan will be a shining example of the future generation of Muay Thai.

'The Battle of the Johans' gets underway at ONE 170 this Friday, January 24. They lock horns in a flyweight duel, and there's a lot on the line for both youngsters.

Ghazali, 18, is out to extend his winning streak to two and gain some form of redemption for his elder brother, Elias, who suffered a unanimous decision loss to 'Panda Kick' outside the promotion in 2021.

While at that, the pride of Rentap Muay Thai Gym and Superbon Training Camp (25-7) seeks his sixth knockout on the global stage.

In the opposite corner, the 22-year-old fighting out of JCFernandez and Team CSK hopes to move to 27-0 in his career and bag his fourth knockout win from five appearances under the ONE banner.

Given the form they're in, Johan Ghazali believes there's no better time for them to cross paths. Per the Sarawakian fighter, it pits the best of the best, and whether he gets his hand raised or not, there will be plenty of takeaways for fight fans.

He told Nick Atkin:

"This fight makes perfect sense, you know, and, honestly, when or if either one of us wins or lose, I mean we will, but win or lose, this fight is very good for the future generations, you know. We are showcasing the next generation. Win or lose, it's good."

Watch the full interview here:

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Johan Ghazali says his precision will help him overcome Estupinan's KO power

In the same interview, Johan Ghazali was asked whether or not he has found a way around Estupinan's rather unorthodox style and his ability to connect with a wild flurry of punches.

He responded by saying:

"Timing beats speed. Precision beats power. That's 100 percent. Yeah, he's fast, but my timing will catch him."

ONE 170, which emanates live from the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand, will be available via watch.onefc.com today, January 24.