Superbon Inspires Johan Ghazali After Tough Loss: “Never Give Up, You Will Be the Champion”

In the wake of a narrow defeat at ONE Fight Night 32, rising Muay Thai star Johan “Jojo” Ghazali received powerful words of encouragement from none other than Superbon, the reigning ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Champion. Following a spirited split-decision loss to American striker Diego Paez at Bangkok’s Lumpinee Stadium, the teenage sensation was reminded that every champion’s path includes obstacles—and that setbacks are simply part of the journey.

At just 18 years old, Ghazali has already made waves in ONE Championship with five knockouts in six bouts. His explosive power and youthful confidence quickly marked him as one of the flyweight division’s brightest prospects. However, back-to-back losses—first to Nguyen Tran Duy Nhat, and now to Paez—have tested his resolve for the first time on the global stage.

But if there’s anyone qualified to offer advice during tough times, it’s Superbon. The Thai icon has climbed to the pinnacle of the striking world, yet his road has been anything but smooth. He reminded Ghazali that enduring hardship is part of building greatness.

“‘Jojo’ listen to me. You lose, it means nothing, I’ve fought maybe 300 times and I’ve lost like a hundred times, but I still became the champion anyway,” Superbon shared.

“If you keep going, if you never give up, you will be the champion. So losing? Winning? They are just part of the process.”

Superbon's mentorship is more than words. He has welcomed Ghazali to his Superbon Training Camp in Bangkok, offering the teenage talent an elite training environment designed to elevate his skills beyond raw power. For a fighter like Ghazali, whose aggression and athleticism have already impressed, the opportunity to train under Superbon represents a critical step toward refining his technique and sharpening his fight IQ.

In a world obsessed with instant results, Superbon stresses that combat sports demand patience, grit, and persistence. He sees potential not just in Ghazali’s physical gifts, but in his mentality. That mindset, Superbon believes, is what will eventually take the Malaysian-American prodigy all the way.

“‘Jojo’ is like 18. He still has a lot of time to be the best, to be the champion,” Superbon said. “I think he will be the champion for sure because his mindset is really good.”

Defeat may sting, but for fighters like Ghazali, it can also be fuel. With Superbon in his corner, the young phenom is being shaped not just into a dangerous striker, but into a future world champion who understands the value of perseverance.

As Ghazali regroups and looks ahead, the message from one of the sport’s greatest strikers is clear: stay the course, embrace the process, and the title will come.