Johan “Jojo” Ghazali reminded the fight world why he’s considered Malaysia’s brightest Muay Thai prospect with a thunderous first-round knockout at ONE Fight Night 35 in Bangkok’s historic Lumpinee Stadium. The 18-year-old phenom needed just two minutes to dismantle Morocco’s Zakaria El Jamari, overwhelming him with punishing body shots and sharp hooks that left his opponent flat on the canvas.
“I told everyone I’d finish him in round one — I keep my word,” Jojo said after the fight, brimming with confidence. “This was about proving I’ve grown. I’m sharper, stronger, and hungrier than ever.”
The statement win couldn’t have come at a better time. Jojo entered the bout after enduring the toughest stretch of his young career, suffering consecutive defeats earlier this year to Thai standout Tapaokaew Singha Mawynn and Italian-Canadian veteran Jonathan Di Bella. For a teenager once hailed as the “future of Malaysian combat sports,” the back-to-back losses were a harsh reality check.
“Losing broke me down, but it forced me to rebuild,” Jojo admitted before the fight. “I had to fix everything — my defense, footwork, mindset. Those defeats taught me what it takes to survive at the top.”
Against Zakaria, the evolution was clear. Gone was the reckless forward charge. Instead, Jojo showed poise and control, mixing precision strikes with disciplined pressure before unleashing the finishing flurry that brought the crowd to its feet.
The knockout was Jojo’s sixth career win under ONE Championship and a powerful reminder that, even at 18, he’s a name the global Muay Thai scene cannot ignore. With his fearless style, electric personality, and highlight-reel finishes, Jojo has put the division on notice: the future is still his to claim.
