Malaysian teenage Muay Thai sensation Johan “Jojo” Ghazali has pledged to return stronger after a unanimous decision loss to Johan “Panda Kick” Estupinan at ONE 170: Tawanchai vs. Superbon II, held at the Impact Arena in Bangkok.
The 18-year-old prodigy faced the undefeated Colombian striker in a thrilling flyweight matchup that showcased both fighters’ skills and tenacity. Despite a dream start for Ghazali, Estupinan’s relentless aggression and precise counter-striking earned him the nod from all three judges after a fiercely contested three-round battle.
Though disappointed, Ghazali remains optimistic about his future and took the opportunity to thank his loyal fans for their unwavering support.
“Thank you, guys. I feel your support. I did my best. I promise, you guys can trust me, that I will continue to do my absolute best,” Ghazali said.
The Rentap Muaythai Gym and Superbon Training Camp representative added, “Today, we fell short a bit, but it’s part of the game. We keep going, and I remain confident that this is just another setback on my road to greatness.”
The opening round saw Ghazali land a dynamite right hand that sent Estupinan to the canvas, marking the first knockdown of the fight. The Malaysian’s confidence soared as he traded blows with the Colombian, who countered with his signature unorthodox punch-kick combinations.
Estupinan bounced back in the second round, responding with a left kick-hook combination that floored Ghazali late in the frame. The 22-year-old Colombian’s ability to adjust his game plan mid-fight proved crucial, as he absorbed Ghazali’s best attacks and maintained control.
In the final round, Ghazali swung with everything he had, searching for another knockdown to secure the victory. However, Estupinan’s footwork and counter-strikes kept him ahead, while Ghazali’s relentless pressure ensured a thrilling finish to the bout.
“Most of the things he did were just as we expected. But I didn’t expect him to change game plans that quickly, I guess,” Ghazali admitted in a post-fight interview.
Having spent three months training in Thailand, Ghazali plans to return home to Malaysia for some much-needed rest and reflection. He remains committed to his training at the Superbon Training Camp and is eager to step back into the Circle soon.
“Honestly, I’d love to fight as soon as I can. But we’ll see if I can get a fight before Ramadan. If Ramadan comes first, I’ll focus on that, and after that, we can talk about a fight,” Ghazali said.
Credit Photo : ONE
