Only 17 Years Old, Johan Ghazali Ready To Star In ONE Championship

“Sometimes I fight guys who have kids the same age as me, so that’s a little weird”

In just a few hours, Johan Ghazili makes his United States primetime debut on Prime Video for ONE Championship.

The 17-year-old Muay Thai sensation fights Edgar Tabares at ONE Fight Night 17, which represents a break from school for Ghazili–as well as a chance to showcase his talent to the world.

“Hard work and opportunity meet,” said Ghazili. “I worked hard, and tonight is my opportunity.”

Courtesy ONE Championship

Born in Sarawak, Malaysia, Ghazili’s parents met in the United States while training Muay Thai. They instilled a love of the sport to their son, who started training at the age of nine. Despite his young age, he does enter this bout with eight years’ worth of experience.

“Sometimes I fight guys who have kids the same age as me, so that’s a little weird,” said Ghazili, who opts not to speak ill of his opponents. “Muay Thai is about respect. I’m confident I can win, but trash talking doesn’t do too much for me.”

In his last year of high school, Ghazili typically takes two weeks off before a fight. It is remarkable to think that only days after this fight, he will return to class.

“They’ve seen me come to school with black eyes and broken bones,” said Ghazili. “They’re used to it.”

There is every reason to believe Ghazili could be a major star for ONE, permitting he keeps winning. He is fluent in four languages, articulate, and kind–and extremely relatable. Ghazili is fighting in honor of his family, as he desires to leave the same type of legacy that those in his family have left before him.

“My father is a police officer, and my grandfather was Chief of Armed Forces in the military,” said Ghazili. “The respect they commanded, that’s what drives me. I love how people are inspired by them.”

From science class to Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Ghazili is ready to make a lasting impression at ONE Fight Night 17.

“I’ll fight to the best of my ability, and we’ll see how it goes,” said Ghazili. “I guarantee it will be entertaining to win.”