KUCHING: Sarawak-based muaythai sensation, Johan “Jojo” Ghazali, saw his winning run halted after falling to Japan’s Shimon Yoshinari via unanimous decision in a bruising encounter at ONE SAMURAI 1 in Tokyo today.
Jojo, 19, whose professional ONE record now stands at 8-4, went the distance over three punishing rounds at the Ariake Arena but was ultimately undone by Yoshinari’s speed, control and experience.
The opening round was measured, with both fighters testing range and trading early strikes. Jojo showed intent with a sharp combination, but Yoshinari responded by closing distance and forcing exchanges along the ropes.
Yoshinari’s speed quickly became evident, landing crisp jabs and low kicks to disrupt Jojo’s rhythm. Jojo, however, found moments of success, including a clean overhand that briefly checked the Japanese fighter’s advance.
The tempo rose in the second round, with the Malaysian landing early before Yoshinari seized control. A well-timed right hand sent Jojo to the canvas, shifting momentum firmly in Yoshinari’s favour.
Both fighters were bloodied midway through the round as Yoshinari pressed forward with sustained attacks, pinning Jojo back. Despite the pressure, Jojo remained composed, absorbing damage while waiting for openings to counter.
Yoshinari carried that momentum into the third round, opening with high kicks and relentless combinations. Jojo showed grit to stay in the fight, absorbing heavy blows while searching for a decisive counter, but struggled to turn the tide.
In the end, Yoshinari’s disciplined performance across all three rounds earned him a unanimous decision, handing Jojo a hard-fought defeat on foreign soil.
He may have fallen in their Tokyo Showdown, but at 19-years-old, Jojo proved that he belongs and that his journey will take him higher.
