[VIDEO] 16-Year-Old M'sian Makes Muay Thai Debut With 16-Second Knockout In Thailand
Johan said he went through a one-and-a-half month intensive training period to prepare for the competition.
By May Vin Ang — 27 Feb 2023, 11:26 AM
16-year-old Muay Thai fighter Muhammad Johan Ghazali Zulfikar made a stunning debut at the ONE Championship in Thailand on Friday night, 24 February
At the iconic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, the teenager from Sarawak took only 16 seconds to knock out his 18-year-old Thai opponent, Padetsuk Fairtex, in their flyweight Muay Thai fight.
Bernama reported that he caught his rival with a left hook, right overhand combo, leaving his rival down and out.
Besides the win, Johan, fondly known as Jojo, was gifted THB350,000 (RM44,500) for his stellar performance
According to ONE Championship, the founder and chief executive officer of the competition, Chatri Sityodtong, awarded four fighters with the performance bonus on Friday.
"Alhamdullilah, thank you ONE Championship for this opportunity, thank you Chatri Sityodtong for the USD10,000 bonus, and thank you to everyone who have been supporting me since day one," the teenager wrote on Instagram.
"It was a dream come true for me to make my debut at a ONE Championship and a knockout victory was unexpected," Johan also told Bernama.
Johan said he went through a one-and-a-half month intensive training period to prepare for the competition
"I've always wanted to fight in a ONE Championship. So, I trained hard to accomplish my goal. I trained about eight hours a day — four hours in the morning from 6am and another four hours in the afternoon from 4pm. Yes, my hard work paid off," said the fighter, who represents the Rentap Muay Thai Club in Kuching.
"I would like to express special thanks to my coach, Addy Singpayak. He takes care of me. He is a very dedicated coach who ensures I train consistently."
