The past year challenged young talent Johan Ghazali in unprecedented ways, yet the Malaysian-American fighter has no regrets.
Ghazali is scheduled to compete against Sean Climaco at ONE Fight Night 39, taking place on Friday, January 23rd, at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok. The 19-year-old flyweight Muay Thai participant approaches the upcoming year fortified by hard-earned experience and a strong resolve.
As the year began, Ghazali was propelled by the success of his US$50,000 bonus-earning victory over Josue Cruz at ONE 168: Denver in the previous September. Self-assurance was abundant, and his prospects seemed boundless. However, January brought a unanimous decision loss courtesy of Johan Estupinan. Half a year passed, and Diego Paez dealt another setback with a split decision defeat for Ghazali at ONE Fight Night 32.
Facing two straight losses at such a young age, many combatants would falter. Instead, Ghazali relocated to Superbon Training Camp. He processed these setbacks while also gaining insights from elite Muay Thai practitioners. The losses were painful, but his trainers maintained his perspective on his long-term objectives.
He commented, “My match against Estupinan was enjoyable, and the one with Paez was equally challenging. I’m not offering justifications, but it was a significant period for me, having recently transitioned to Superbon Training Camp and training away from home for the initial time.”
“I was adjusting and recognized the necessity to develop a fresh strategy and new abilities. Although the defeats were difficult, mentors such as Superbon, Nong-O, Petchtanong, and Trainer Gae reassured me I was progressing correctly. I heeded their counsel, confident that I would ultimately overcome these obstacles.”
Johan Ghazali’s Metamorphosis at Superbon Training Camp
Superbon, the reigning ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Champion, took on the role of Johan Ghazali’s mentor. The revered Thai icon Nong-O Hama served as his main sparring opponent. Petchtanong Petchfergus managed his physical conditioning, while Trainer Gae refined his combat techniques. This evolution progressed each day amidst intense effort, exertion, and rigorous discipline.
This development became evident during his match with Zakaria El Jamari at ONE Fight Night 35 last September. Ghazali blended his kicks effectively, exhibited composure, and displayed enhanced technical skills before delivering a decisive right elbow that floored El Jamari at 2 minutes and 10 seconds into the first round. He turned away even before the official stopped the fight.
As the current month is December, Ghazali reflects on the year 2025 with appreciation rather than resentment. The young fighter has matured significantly, possessing the mental resilience to believe in his training methods. His aspirations for 2026 are straightforward: to keep improving, secure more victories, and establish his reputation. Climaco presents an added incentive because the Filipino-American fighter previously defeated Diego Paez.
He stated, “My diligent efforts paid off, and achieving that first-round stoppage was highly significant. It confirmed I was exactly where I needed to be, unfolding precisely as anticipated. While my intention was indeed a knockout, I also unveiled fresh dimensions of my fighting style through my kicking, composure, and refined techniques.”
“This year proved to be very instructive. Those losses, in a sense, represent a phase for which I am thankful. Setbacks instruct us on how to recover with greater resilience, and as I frequently mention, adversity forges greatness. Therefore, supporters observed this firsthand when I secured my knockout triumph. I effectively quieted my detractors and those who questioned me.”
“This pairing feels logical. He was victorious against Diego Paez, while I experienced a loss to Diego Paez, and I anticipate an thrilling contest. I stand to achieve multiple objectives with a victory here. God willing, should everything proceed favorably, it ought to be a straightforward affair.”
