KUCHING: From the mats of Rentap Muay Thai Gym to the global ring, Johan ‘Jojo’ Ghazali Zulfikar has turned grit into glory, weaving his name firmly inside Sarawak’s sporting history.
The 18-year-old muaythai sensation has been conferred the ‘Ahli Bintang Sarawak’ (A.B.S.) award, one of the state’s highest honours, for his outstanding achievements and contribution to the sport.
The award was presented in conjunction with the 79th birthday celebration of the Head of State, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, last Saturday, October 11.
Though not born in Sarawak, Jojo has long called the state home, a place where his fighting spirit was forged since 2015.
Under the banner of Rentap Muay Thai Gym, he has risen to become a proud symbol of Sarawak’s strength and talent in the sport.
Among some of his career-defining triumphs was the 2022 IFMA Youth World Muaythai Championships, where he struck gold after defeating Russia’s Rustam Yunusob and was named ‘Best Boxer – Outstanding Male Athlete’.
He extended his golden run that year by winning the 2022 Malaysia Games (SUKMA) men’s 60-kg title with a knockout finish in the final, later dedicating the victory to Sarawak, a proud moment that captured his deep connection to the State.
Since turning professional, Jojo has continued to make headlines in ONE Championship, where he became the youngest athlete in history to earn a full contract with the promotion at just 16.
His breakthrough came at ONE Friday Fights 36 in October 2023, when he floored Russian opponent, Temirlan Bekmurzaev, with a liver knockout, marking his fourth straight victory under the organisation.
The win earned him a USD100,000 (RM473,000) contract and a 350,000-baht (RM46,000) performance bonus, sealing his reputation as one of Asia’s most exciting young strikers.
Most recently, he landed a sensational first-round TKO over Zakaria El Jamari at ONE Fight Night 35 in Bangkok last September.
His training stints in Thailand’s Superbon Training Camp, alongside world champions such as Superbon, Nong-O and Petchtanong, have honed his craft even further.
At just 18, Jojo’s journey embodies discipline, heart and the true spirit of Sarawak.
The A.B.S. honour stands as a fitting tribute to a young athlete who has poured his blood, sweat and tears into lifting Sarawak’s name high on the world muaythai stage.
From where it stands, Jojo is poised for greatness as he continues to hone and sharpen his craft for the challenge that lies ahead.
