‘My Biggest Motivational Factor’ – Johan Ghazali Opens Up About Deep Relationship With His Girlfriend

Malaysian-American sensation Johan “Jojo” Ghazali is gearing up to face Colombian-American standout Diego Paez on June 6 in U.S. primetime at ONE Fight Night 32.

While his training camp for that flyweight Muay Thai clash is now in full swing, the 18-year-old striker has been building a key relationship in his personal life – one with his girlfriend, Queena.

The young couple began their journey well before Ghazali racked up five stunning knockouts to achieve fame in ONE Championship. Their story has all the elements of a heartwarming romance that has grown alongside his career.

“Jojo” recently spoke to onefc.com about how he met Queena and what the relationship means to him:

“We’ve known each other for a long time, way before I became famous. She’s from Kuching (in Malaysia). We were just childhood friends. Probably I’d say she was my childhood crush. We’ve been dating for exactly two and a half years. It was at the very early part of my ONE Friday Fights career.”

In an age of online dating and swipe-left-or-right apps, Ghazali met his girlfriend the old-fashioned way.

He spotted her walking around in his hometown of Kuching, and flush with confidence and starry eyes, he decided to make his move:

“We just met at a mall, and I walked up to her and asked for her number. That was when it all started.

“She used to study there. But she’s studying medicine now. She used to study in Dublin, but now she’s in Penang.”

Now in a committed relationship, Ghazali said that his girlfriend is a major source of inspiration, pushing him to stay focused and disciplined while chasing big dreams on the global stage.

Because “Jojo” spends most of his time preparing for fights in Thailand at the famed Superbon Training Camp, the pair are currently dealing with the challenges of a long-distance romance.

But despite his hectic fighting schedule, they make it work through mutual support and understanding:

“She’s very supportive. She’s been there for me when I needed her the most. She’s there for me no matter what, and she always checks up on me.

“It has changed a lot. It has changed for the better. She’s my biggest fan and my biggest motivational factor. It’s important to be dating someone who can be your rock because sometimes when the world is against you, having a good support system makes it so much easier.”

Finding Balance In Life

Managing a high-profile prizefighting career and a relationship would be challenging for anyone, let alone an 18-year-old prodigy who has become one of ONE’s fastest-rising superstars.

But according to Johan Ghazali, the relationship with Queena has only improved his professional performance:

“Since meeting her, I train harder. I do everything harder. I tackle obstacles with a better peace of mind because I know there’s people counting on me. I want to impress her as well, and that is why I try to do my best in everything I approach. I wanna do everything for her, and for my family, too.”

With their busy schedules, Ghazali and Queena don’t spend as much time together as they’d like.

At the same time, the couple works hard to make every moment count and prioritize quality time whenever possible, helping their relationship flourish even under difficult circumstances.

“Jojo” added:

“When we get the career stuff out of the way, we always make it a point to spend time and develop this relationship. Even though we don’t have much time together, I want to make sure this journey, with the little time we can spend, can continue growing into one of the best chapters of my life.”