Malaysian Muay Thai sensation Muhammad Johan Ghazali Zulfikar has issued a bold warning to his Japanese opponent Shimon Yoshinari ahead of their upcoming bout at ONE Samurai 1 in Tokyo’s Ariake Arena, scheduled for tomorrow at 1.30pm (Malaysia time).
The 19-year-old, better known as Jojo, said Yoshinari would need almost impossible circumstances to defeat him, as he remains confident heading into one of the toughest fights of his career. The flyweight prospect has rapidly built a reputation as one of the most exciting young fighters in ONE Championship.
“If he wants to beat me, he’ll need a lot of things… maybe something close to a miracle,” Johan said. “I don’t see it happening,” he added, brushing aside expectations that the Japanese fighter, competing on home soil, is the favourite.
Jojo also responded to Yoshinari’s claim that he intends to become the first fighter to knock him out, dismissing the statement with confidence. “That’s what he says. But if anyone is going to knock me out, it won’t be him,” he said.
The showdown in Tokyo is being viewed as a major test for the Kuching-born fighter, who embraces his underdog status externally but maintains a fearless mentality inside the ring. Known for his fighting spirit, he believes his “agi idup agi ngelaban” mindset gives him the edge.
A victory would push Johan closer to the top five rankings in the division and strengthen his path towards a potential ONE Championship world title opportunity, further elevating his rising international profile.
Jojo last fought in February, defeating Myanmar’s Ye Yint Naung via unanimous decision at ONE Friday Fights 141 in Bangkok’s Lumpinee Stadium. He has since built an impressive ONE record of eight wins, including five knockouts and one technical knockout, alongside three defeats.
His opponent, 21-year-old Shimon Yoshinari, brings strong credentials into the fight with 24 professional wins and only one loss. In ONE Championship, Yoshinari has secured four wins from five appearances, including two by unanimous decision and two by TKO, making him a dangerous and experienced contender.
