By Wilfred Pilo
KUCHING, Aug 8: Malaysian flyweight Muay Thai sensation Muhammad Johan ‘Jojo’ Ghazali Zulfikar is set to represent the nation in his first fight on United States (US) soil at ONE 168, taking place at the Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado, on Sept 6.
Jojo will face off against Mexican ONE Championship fighter Jouse Cruz.
Eager for redemption after losing to top-ranked Nguyen Tan Duy Nhat earlier this year, Jojo is determined to secure a win and earn a rematch.
The 17-year-old, who has been preparing intensively for the past two to three months, expressed confidence ahead of his upcoming bout in the US.
“The fight will be my 7th in ONE Championship. I am pretty confident, and hopefully, all goes well,” he told reporters after a training session at Rentap Muay Thai Gym here today.
Jojo acknowledged his 28-year-old opponent Cruz, respecting his experience as a ONE Championship fighter.
“I have studied his fights and respect his experience. My strength lies in my youth, energy, and hunger. I hope there will be no injuries or complications leading up to the fight, and everything will go smoothly.
“Honestly, this event will be one of the biggest fights in my career. Considering the rest of the championship fighters, Cruz could be easier than Nguyen. I want a rematch with Nguyen if I win,” he said.
Jojo remains optimistic despite his loss to Nguyen, noting that all great fighters face setbacks in their careers.
“I am confident I will bounce back and learn from this. My loss in that fight was a valuable experience. I am still young, and the future is bright for me,” he opined.
Jojo is also excited to gain fans in the US, as this will be his first time fighting there despite previously visiting Colorado.
“My mother’s side of the family is from there. They have never seen me fight in person, only online. So it is exciting to have their support. They are also my motivators, and I want to put on a show for them.
“This will be an interesting fight and a chance to put Malaysia on the map,” he said.
Jojo, who will head to the US next week, holds a 5-1 ONE Championship record, including four show-stopping knockouts. — DayakDaily
