By Wilfred Pilo
KUCHING, Oct 8: Sensational 16-year-old Sarawak-based muay thai fighter and prodigy Muhammad Johan Ghazali Zulfikar, fueled by confidence, is looking forward to a return to the ring, possibly in Qatar, in December for his next One Championship fight.
Johan Ghazali, better known as Jojo, said he is more confident after securing four victories in all his fights in One Championship so far this year. His latest came by way of knocking out 25-year-old Russian Temirlan Bekmurzaev with a liver blow at ONE Friday Fight 36 at Lumpinee Boxing Stadium, Bangkok, Thailand on Oct 6.
Jojo said the fight also got him a six-figure contract of US$100,000 and a knockout bonus of 350,000 Thai Baht for knocking out Bekmurzev.
“I am proud of being the youngest fighter to get such contract, and now, fighters are starting to notice me, but whatever it is, I am more motivated and ready for any future fight,” he said.
He told reporters this upon his arrival from Thailand at Kuching International Airport (KIA) tonight.
Jojo revealed that his contract duration is for about two years, and in getting ready for his next fight, he said Sarawak would be his ideal training ground.
“The gym and facilities here are well equipped for me to prepare for my next fight. Besides, my Thai coach, Addy Singapayak is comfortable here to train me as he is married to a local.
“On top of that, my family and friends who have supported me to where I am now, are all here in Sarawak,” he said.
Jojo trains at Rentap Muay Thai Gym in Kuching. — DayakDaily
