Jojo gets off to triumphant start in new season

KUCHING (Feb 8): Muaythai sensation Johan “Jojo” Ghazali enjoyed a successful return to familiar territory when he defeated Myanmar debutant Ye Yint Naung by unanimous decision at ONE Friday Fights 141 on Friday night.

The Malaysian-American teenager delivered a composed and technically sharp performance to secure victory in Asia primetime in the flyweight muaythai bout at Bangkok’s famed Lumpinee Stadium.

The contest began cautiously with both fighters exchanging low kicks but Ye Yint Naung quickly attempted to take control by targeting Ghazali’s lead leg.

Growing in confidence, the Myanmar striker surged forward with looping hooks that tested the 19-year-old’s guard.

However, Ghazali remained unfazed. Demonstrating maturity beyond his years, he relied on solid defence and well-timed counters, repeatedly landing clean punches to the body whenever his opponent overcommitted.

The second round saw Ghazali step up the pace. Training under renowned coach Superbon at the Superbon Training Camp clearly paid dividends as he utilised slick head movement, crisp jabs and effective body kicks to dictate the tempo.

A series of sharp elbows also opened a cut on Ye Yint Naung, further swinging momentum in Ghazali’s favour.

By the final round, the difference in class was evident. Ghazali unleashed fluid combinations reminiscent of his mentor, ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Champion Superbon, mixing accurate punches with strong defensive awareness.

Despite brief moments of resistance from the Myanmar fighter, Ghazali maintained control, finishing strongly with punishing short-range attacks until the final bell.

The judges had little hesitation in awarding him a unanimous decision win, improving his professional record to 27-9.

The impressive outing marks a confident start to Ghazali’s 2026 campaign and reinforces his status as one of Malaysia’s most promising young Muay Thai talents.