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Johan Ghazali, affectionately known as “Jojo,” is set to carry the torch of his family’s fighting tradition into his next assignment. On June 7, at ONE 167, the 17-year-old phenom will face Nguyen Tran Duy Nhat in a flyweight Muay Thai bout. This highly anticipated U.S. primetime event will be broadcast live from the iconic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
At such a young age, Ghazali has already left an indelible mark in ONE Championship. His journey in the world’s largest martial arts organization has been nothing short of spectacular, with five consecutive victories, four of which came by knockout. This once-in-a-generation talent’s potential seems boundless, a testament to his rich family heritage in combat sports.
“My dad’s pretty well-known in Malaysia. He was part of the old-school Muay Thai scene in Malaysia. My mom started training in America when she was 15. My mom was a housewife before we had the gym, but now with the gym, she’s a promoter (the gym hosts the Rentap Fighting Championship),” Ghazali explained.
Beyond his immediate family, Ghazali draws strength and inspiration from his grandfather, Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Mohd Ghazali bin Che Mat, a high-ranking general in the Malaysian defense forces and a celebrated national figure.
“My granddad on my dad’s side is a war hero, a true veteran. You can easily search him up on Google. He’s done tremendous things for the country during his service, and I think maybe that fight in me really came down from him,” he shared.
The legacy doesn’t end with his grandfather. Ghazali’s great-grandfathers were athletic titans in their own right.
“On my mom’s side, her grandfather from her dad’s side was a boxer, as well. He used to fight on the undercards of some of Jack Dempsey’s shows. His name was Erick Johnson Sr. He fought under the name Swede Johnson,” Ghazali said.
With every fight in ONE Championship, Johan Ghazali honors a legacy built over three generations. He believes it is his destiny to continue this tradition of excellence.
“I think it’s just my destiny to keep on this run,” he said, “like getting out the hard work through sports or something important to the world. You know, if they can do it, I believe I have to continue the tradition.”
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