Johan Ghazali targets a finish of Shimon Yoshinari at ONE SAMURAI 1

The arena will be full of Japanese fans cheering for the hometown hero. Johan “Jojo” Ghazali already knows this. He also does not care.

The 19-year-old American-Malaysian sensation travels to enemy territory to face WBC Muay Thai World Champion Shimon Yoshinari in a flyweight Muay Thai bout at ONE SAMURAI 1, broadcasting live via pay-per-view from Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan on Wednesday, April 29.

Ghazali brings a 27-9 career record and two straight wins into Tokyo, with his most recent finish coming by first-round TKO over Zakaria El Jamari at ONE Fight Night 35. A victory over Shimon would make him three wins deep into his current streak and a significant step closer to ONE Championship gold.

Ghazali bounced back from back-to-back defeats in 2025 by overhauling his preparation at Superbon Training Camp. That reset sharpened his patience, tightened his defensive habits, and gave him something even more useful: a mentor who has studied Shimon from the inside.

“We always put in 100 percent in every fight camp. We’re always focused. We train with the same intensity, same hard work, and same dedication. But, of course, we’re setting up the right game plan, while tweaking some mistakes,” he said.

“I feel much more mentally and physically strong, too. There’s so much I’ve learned from being around high-level fighters.”

Johan Ghazali is not worried about Shimon’s calf kicks

Johan Ghazali has done his homework on Shimon Yoshinari’s skill set. The Japanese fighter enters with a 25-1 career record and a perfect 4-0 promotional mark, including a dominant win over four-time Muay Thai World Champion Yodlekpet Or Atchariya. His calf kicks are a recognized weapon and a central part of his game plan.

But Ghazali remains confident. Superbon handled Masaaki Noiri with those same tools in play, and the blueprint is already in his hands.

“Shimon has a lot of skills, including the calf kicks, but we’re not too worried about that. Superbon has given me the needed tricks. He’s instilled that in me — he did the same to beat [Masaaki] Noiri with ease,” he said.

“His poise is going to be tested like it’s never been tested before. He’s fought good fighters, but the other opponents aren’t as ferocious. They don’t have that killer mindset. I’m coming in kill-or-be-killed.”