‘A Global Icon’ – Superbon And Nong-O Certain Johan Ghazali Is Destined For Greatness In ONE Championship
Teenage knockout artist Johan “Jojo” Ghazali has spent the past year training under two of Thailand’s most accomplished strikers, and they’ve both reached the same conclusion about his future.
ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Champion Superbon and former longtime ONE bantamweight Muay Thai king Nong-O Hama are certain the 19-year-old is destined to hoist 26 pounds of gold on the global stage.
The American-Malaysian will put that development on display when he returns to action against Myanmar striker Ye Yint Naung in a flyweight Muay Thai matchup at ONE Friday Fights 141, airing live in Asia primetime from Bangkok’s iconic Lumpinee Stadium on February 6.
Before he steps through the ropes, both striking masters had much to say about his evolution, his maturity beyond his years, and the roadmap they’ve charted for his future.
Superbon: ‘He Already Has That Superstar Aura’
As the founder of Superbon Training Camp, the featherweight kickboxing king has watched Johan Ghazali evolve from raw knockout artist into a more complete Muay Thai practitioner since late 2024.
What began as a partnership focused on refining basics has blossomed into a complete technical overhaul that preserves the teenager’s explosive strengths while addressing the defensive vulnerabilities that elite opponents had begun to exploit.
Superbon told onefc.com:
“‘Jojo’ has leveled up in so many ways. We’re keeping his core strength – those heavy hands and that fearless aggression – but we’re adding a more technical IQ, a better defense, and improved overall play. Now, his ring survival skills and overall defense have improved massively.”
What impresses the Thai legend most, however, isn’t just Ghazali’s physical evolution – it’s the intangible qualities that separate good fighters from future superstars.
At just 19 years old, the Malaysian-American carries himself with a maturity that belies his youth.
The 35-year-old added:
“His discipline and determination are top-tier. He’s incredibly focused. Most importantly, he’s very mature for his age, very easy to talk to, and he already has that superstar aura. With those assets, it won’t be hard for him to become a global icon.”
Ghazali’s 2025 campaign ended on a winning note after he knocked out Moroccan slugger Zakaria El Jamari at ONE Fight Night 35. But earlier that year successive setbacks – decision losses to Johan “Panda Kick” Estupinan and Diego Paez – raised questions about whether the teenage knockout artist could handle elite-level competition.
But the Thai veteran, who unified his crown in the main event of ONE 173 in Tokyo, views those defeats as essential growing pains rather than evidence of any fundamental flaws.
The featherweight king offered his assessment:
“It’s purely a matter of experience. When you’re that young, you can get over-excited or lose your composure when the pressure hits or when things don’t go according to plan in the ring. But he’ll get better as he gains more experience.”
Looking beyond the immediate future, Superbon has mapped out an ambitious long-term vision for his prized student.
The Thai legend isn’t thinking in terms of months or even single years. Instead, he’s projecting championship dominance half a decade down the line.
He concluded:
“The more he fights, the better. You might not see the full results this year. He’s going to be a powerhouse superstar. In four to five years, he’ll be a World Champion who will dominate the division for a long time.”
Nong-O: ‘I Want To See Him Break Into The Top Five’
Former longtime ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion Nong-O Hama, who brings decades of elite-level experience to Johan Ghazali’s corner, echoes the same sentiment.
The living legend has been equally impressed by what he’s witnessed during the teenager’s time in Bangkok, Thailand.
Speaking about his work ethic and personality, Nong-O painted a picture of a young fighter completely committed to his craft:
“He is young, incredibly hardworking, and carries a lot of responsibility. He’s always eager to improve and is constantly learning from the senior fighters in the gym.”
What’s particularly notable is how the representative from Rentap Muaythai Gym and Superbon Training Camp conducts himself inside the gym versus how he presents himself to the outside world.
While fans know the teenage sensation for his supreme self-confidence, Nong-O has observed a quieter, more humble side behind the scenes.
The former ONE World Champion shared:
“His personality is a bit on the shy side and doesn’t usually start conversations, but he’s a great kid. He’s been here for nearly a year now, through several fights, and his discipline is top-notch.”
That contrast – confident showman outside the gym, disciplined student inside it – reflects the maturity that both Superbon and Nong-O have repeatedly emphasized.
As for what 2026 holds, Nong-O has set clear goals for his young charge while maintaining realistic expectations about the timeline.
World Championship aspirations are firmly in sight, but the legendary striker understands that patience and proper development trump rushing toward 26 pounds of gold:
“By the end of this year, I want to see him break into the top five. The title is the next step. He’s still got plenty of time, after all, since he’s only 19.”
