KUCHING: Muay Thai sensation Johan ‘Jojo’ Ghazali is expanding his focus beyond the ring with the launch of Ringside by Johan Ghazali, a healthy food and lifestyle initiative aimed at making healthier living more accessible to Malaysians.
The 19-year-old Sarawak-based fighter said Ringside was created not only as a business but also as a platform to encourage people to adopt healthier habits through food, exercise and community activities.
“Of course, Ringside is a business and my plan is to make money, but at the same time my true purpose is just to see Malaysian people become healthier,” he told reporters during a press conference held during the launch of the restaurant at Galacity, here today (Aug 8).
Jojo said he was concerned about the number of Malaysians struggling with weight-related issues and wanted to make healthier living more approachable, particularly for those unsure where to start.
“I feel like Ringside can slowly counter that. Of course, one restaurant can’t change 50 per cent of the population, but if we can help two, three, four people, I’m okay.
“I genuinely want to see my people become fitter and stronger, and I feel like the best way to move forward is to have a strong mind and strong body,” he added.
Ringside offers healthy food with signature bowls featuring set calorie counts to help customers monitor their intake.
Customers can choose their preferred base, protein, fibre and sauce, while the menu is set to expand to include steak, salmon, salads, side dishes and desserts.
However, Jojo said food is only one part of the concept, with Ringside also establishing a free healthy-lifestyle community.
The community will organise activities including brisk walks, runs, Pilates, weight training and Muay Thai, catering to people with different fitness levels.
Those interested can follow Ringside’s Instagram page for details of upcoming activities.
“We understand not everyone can join a marathon or do weight training. That’s why this community is available to everyone,” he told reporters today (Aug 8) during a press conference held in conjunction with the Ringside Grand Launch at Ringside, Galacity, here.
Jojo said the community would have at least one activity a week, with plans for two to three events depending on the schedule.
He believes being part of a community can help people remain motivated and disciplined.
“Even me, as someone who tries to be as disciplined as possible, it’s hard to stay disciplined without a community, without people around you that want to push you,” he said.
The launch also featured a brisk walk involving about 500 participants, as well as an introduction to Ringside’s concept and food offerings.
Jojo said he hoped to expand the initiative beyond Kuching and eventually into West Malaysia.
For him, Ringside is ultimately about turning words into action.
“I try my best to back it up, to prove it. This is my initiative. This is my way of proving that I actually care and I actually want to see people improve and become the best versions of themselves.
“I genuinely want to see the people of Malaysia, people of Kuching, become the best versions of themselves,” he added.
