KUCHING: Muhammad Johan Ghazali, also known as Jojo, has secured his place in the annals of ONE Championship history as the youngest contract winner ever.
The 16-year-old’s journey culminated in a spectacular victory at ONE Friday Fights 36 last night (Oct 6), where he delivered a liver shot to his Russian opponent, Temrilan Bekmurzaev, resulting in a knockout.
“This is crazy. I turn 17 next month. I got a ONE Championship contract before I got my driver’s licence,” he said in a post-match interview.
With his victory, Jojo’s record in the ONE Championship for 2023 stands at 4-0.
Jojo was not only awarded the standard 350,000 Baht knockout bonus but also received news that he had earned himself a six-figure contract with ONE Championship following his triumphant bout.
For the record, fighters on the platform ONE Friday Fights are typically contracted for a single bout, acting as a stepping stone to the larger ONE Championship events.
The Friday shows serve as a proving ground for fighters to earn their place on the grander stage, with stars like Nico Carrillo having paved their way to the ONE Championship roster through this route.
Jojo now joins this list after his fourth consecutive win at ONE Friday Fights.
His journey began in February, when he made his ONE Championship debut at the iconic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok.
In a mere 16 seconds, the Sarawak-based teenager knocked out his 18-year-old Thai opponent, Padetsuk Fairtex, in a flyweight Muay Thai clash, leaving an indelible mark on the sport.
In May, the young Sarawak-based emerged victorious against his opponent, Tai Sor Jar Piek, with a performance that left spectators in awe.
His eyes were firmly set on the coveted championship belt and its prestigious USD100,000 (RM460,553) contract.
In an interview with BERNAMA, Jojo expressed his aspirations, stating, “My target is to secure the ONE Championship contract of US$100,000, but my ultimate goal is to become a ONE Championship champion.”
His dream had indeed come true.
Meanwhile, in July, Jojo once again made headlines by securing his third victory in the championship.
Representing Kelab Muay Thai Rentap, Jojo defeated his Thai opponent, Samurai, in a flyweight Muay Thai bout.
