CountFilms met with the young Muay Thai star, Johan Ghazali in Bangkok, Thailand for pre-fight interviews for ONE Fight Night 17. Johan has won 4 consecutive fights at ONE and just earned a six figure contract with ONE Championship last month. This weekend the 17 year old gets to fight on the big stage as he takes on Edgar Tabares in a Flyweight Muay Thai bout.
Johan Ghazali explains that “ONE is the Pinnacle of Muay Thai”
When talking with Ghazali on his prime-event debut, he explained that “even earlier this year I couldn’t have imagined” being here, “it just happened so fast.” In regards to being able to fight for ONE Championship and at ONE Fight Night 17, he stated: “I’m grateful, I’m honored, I’m ready.”
Johan grew up in a family that practiced Muay Thai, and therefore has a deep love for the sport since he’s trained it since he was little. He explained that “ONE is the pinnacle of Muay Thai” and “every Muay Thai fighters’ dream is to fight at ONE” so to able to live out this dream is beyond what he could have imagined.
Edgar Tabares vs. Johan Ghazali
In regards to Jojo’s upcoming bout, he believes that his “youth” is his biggest advantage, and stated “I train harder, I’m younger, I look better” he jokingly added. Ultimately he believes that while Edgar has more experience, Ghazali’s young passion and drive will lead him to success in the ring.
Ghazali’s plan when facing Edgar Tabares is simple, he wants to “put the pressure on him until he breaks.” He believes that his stamina will outlast Edgar and that of course he wants a knockout and the chance to win a bonus, but that overall he’s “not going to rush the knockout, when it comes it comes.”
Watch the full interview of Johan Ghazali below:
How to watch ONE Fight Night 17?
Johan Ghazali is set to faceoff against Edgar Tabares in his first primetime event at ONE Championship. Ghazali told his fans that “win or lose I can’t guarantee anything but it will be fun to watch.”
Don’t miss the fully stacked Muay Thai card on December 8, 2023 at 8pm EST. Tune in to ONE Fight Night 17 on Amazon Prime (US and Canada) and check out more about the event on ONE’s website.
