Malaysian Muay Thai sensation Muhammad Johan Ghazali Zulfikar, better known as Jojo Ghazali, has added another major milestone to his young career after receiving the Ahli Bintang Sarawak (ABS) state honour.
The prestigious award was presented by Sarawak Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar during the Sarawak State Honours Investiture Ceremony held at the Astana Negeri Sarawak on Thursday.
Jojo was among 154 recipients recognised during the ceremony, with the honour acknowledging his achievements and contribution to raising Sarawak’s profile through Muay Thai.
For the 19-year-old fighter, the recognition carries particular significance as Sarawak has played an important role in shaping his journey in the sport. Despite being known for his aggressive style inside the ring, Jojo showed a more sentimental side when speaking about the state that has supported his development.
In a social media post, Jojo said Sarawak holds a special place in his heart and highlighted the well-known Iban saying, “Agi idup, agi ngelaban”, which means “As long as I live, I will continue to fight”.
He said the phrase reflected a principle he strongly believes in and one that continues to inspire him throughout his career.
“To the city that will always be in my heart, thank you for this recognition. Alhamdulillah. I will continue to give my best to make this place proud,” he wrote.
Jojo later gave his followers a laugh with another post, jokingly asking whether receiving the award now officially made him a “national treasure”.
“Officially a national treasure? Alhamdulillah. Thank you Tun Pehin Sri Dr Haji Wan Junaidi bin Tuanku Jaafar and thank you Sarawak. Ahli Bintang Sarawak (ABS) medal,” he wrote, before cheekily adding, “Dato’ Jojo soon?”
The latest recognition adds to an already impressive list of achievements for the young fighter, who has emerged as one of Malaysia’s rising names on the international Muay Thai scene.
Representing Rentap Muaythai Gym, Jojo began training in the sport at just 10 years old before gradually making his mark at both national and international competitions. Muay Thai was also part of his upbringing, with both of his parents having backgrounds in the sport.
One of his biggest early achievements came in 2022 when he won the IFMA Youth Muay Thai World Championship after defeating Russia’s Rustam Yunusob.
Jojo subsequently attracted wider attention through ONE Championship, where a series of impressive performances helped him secure a contract worth US$100,000 (approximately RM408,640) with the global martial arts organisation.
From a young fighter training at a Muay Thai gym in Sarawak, Jojo has since grown into one of Malaysia’s most promising young combat sports athletes, with his career continuing to gain momentum on the international stage.
