KUCHING: National Muay Thai champion Muhamad Johan “Jojo” Ghazali Zulfikar tasted defeat for the first time in ONE Championship, losing a points decision to Vietnam’s Nguyen Tran Duy Nhat at ONE 167 in Bangkok on Saturday.
The 17-year-old phenom, known for his relentless fighting style, displayed immense heart throughout the flyweight clash, but the judges ultimately awarded the victory to the more experienced Nguyen.
Despite the setback, Jojo never went down, showcasing his trademark resilience against the 35-year-old opponent.
He constantly pressured Nguyen, who countered effectively to secure the win.
“Don’t judge me on my wins, judge me on how I come back from my losses.
“This is just a small bump in the road and I will be back. Thank you all,” he said on Instagram after the fight.
His mother, Jennana Johnson, echoed his confidence.
“If I know my son… I feel sorry for whoever is next in line.
“He’s lost before. He may lose again, but he’ll come back with a vengeance, that’s for sure. This kid doesn’t take it lying down,” she said.
Jojo kept the crowd on their feet with his offensive strategy throughout the three-round battle.
Despite absorbing leg kicks, he pressed forward, searching for openings.
The first round saw him applying constant pressure, while the second round had him persistently testing Nguyen’s defences.
The judges’ decision marked Jojo’s first defeat, snapping his nine-win streak.
However, the fight further solidified his reputation as a skilled and determined young athlete in the Muay Thai world.
Malaysian fans who tuned in to the live stream showered Jojo with support, applauding his effort and fighting spirit.
The Sarawakian fighter’s performance proved his mettle as a formidable competitor, despite the loss in this thrilling encounter.
