‘My Hard Work Paid Off’ – Johan Ghazali Breaks Down His Explosive Walk-Off Knockout At ONE Fight Night 35
The Malaysian-American teenager silenced doubters with a spectacular TKO and outlined his plans for what’s next.
By Vijay Kumar
Sep 9, 2025, 13:24 UTC
Teenage Muay Thai sensation Johan “Jojo” Ghazali reminded everyone why he’s one of the most exciting finishers in “the art of eight limbs” with a spectacular walk-off knockout at ONE Fight Night 35: Buntan vs. Hemetsberger on Prime Video.
The 18-year-old Malaysian-American phenom bounced back from two consecutive losses in emphatic fashion, stopping Zakaria El Jamari with a vicious right elbow at the 2:10 mark of the opening round at Bangkok’s Lumpinee Stadium on Friday, September 5.
As soon as the opening bell rang, both fighters met at the center of the ring and began trading heavy leather. Ghazali quickly found his range in the early going, forcing the Moroccan veteran to back himself into a corner and shell up under the teenage destroyer’s relentless assault.
The young star showed remarkable patience and composure as he methodically broke down his opponent with a barrage of punches along the ropes, until one final right elbow dropped El Jamari and prompted the referee to wave off the contest.
Speaking to onefc.com after his triumphant return to the win column, “Jojo” reflected on the satisfying finish and the strategic adjustments that led to his success.
The Malaysian-American said:
“It feels good. It feels like my hard work paid off, and after two camps without results, I’m happy that I can go home with the win this time.
“It was good. I felt like, because I knew he was going to come at me, I knew he was going to try to stand and bang with me, so I was just ready for it. I was ready for it, and I wanted to put on a show for the fans as well. So I was just waiting for the right opportunity to elbow, because I knew he was taking my punches as well. He’s pretty strong. But nobody can really take an elbow.”
Despite the spectacular nature of his knockout finish, Ghazali remained grounded when evaluating his performance, demonstrating the maturity that has come about recently by the countless hours he spent in the gym.
The young star also credited his evolution to the guidance he’s received at Superbon Training Camp, where he’s been honing his skills under the watchful eyes of elite World Champions.
Ghazali offered:
“I wouldn’t say it’s my favorite, you know, because I did what I had to do. It’s not like I was the underdog or anything. But I’m happy. It’s probably the top three. I’ve got a bunch of KOs, so it’s hard to choose.
“Yeah, ever since I started at Superbon Training Camp, they’ve always taught me to be patient and stick to the game plan, relax, don’t push too much. But once I felt him fading, I knew I could get that knockout.”
Even in victory, Ghazali maintained his respect for El Jamari, acknowledging both the Moroccan’s toughness and their shared bond as Muslim fighters.
He said:
“As an opponent, he was strong, and he took my punches very well. That’s why I had to switch to elbows. And yeah, as a good person, you know, [we’re] Muslim brothers, yeah.”
Ghazali Benefits From Championship Guidance, Hungry For Next Challenges
Johan Ghazali’s impressive victory at ONE Fight Night 35 showcased not just his devastating finishing ability, but also his continued development under the tutelage of world-class mentors.
Training alongside reigning ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Champion Superbon and former ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion Nong-O Hama has clearly elevated the teenage sensation’s game to new heights.
The Malaysian-American star spoke glowingly about the impact his legendary training coaches have had on his career trajectory.
Ghazali said:
“They’re great. They’re like big brothers to me, and they take care of me very well.
“Not just them — everyone in Superbon Training Camp. They’re like family to me now, so I’m happy, and I’m just happy to show them.”
With his first-round TKO victory improving his record to 26-9, Ghazali has firmly positioned himself back in the hunt for bigger opportunities in ONE Championship’s talent-laden flyweight Muay Thai division.
When asked about his immediate future, the confident striker made it clear he’s ready to face anyone the promotion puts in front of him – including potential rematches with previous opponents.
The mention of Denis “The Bosnian Menace” Puric is particularly intriguing, as the two have engaged in a war of words in recent times. A potential showdown between the teenage phenom and the experienced veteran would certainly generate significant interest among fans.
Ghazali said:
“I’m not sure, you know, maybe anything really. I would love to fight [Johan] Estupinan again in a rematch. I would love to fight [Diego] Paez again, or anybody really. Puric. Whoever they put in front of me.”
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