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“He won’t back down and neither will I” – Josue Cruz ready for war with Johan Ghazali

Josue “Tuzo” Cruz is ready to fight on equal terms when he faces Johan “Jojo” Ghazali at ONE 168: Denver.

The two will face off in a flyweight Muay Thai bout live in U.S. prime time on Friday, September 6, and Cruz sees this as a chance to make a statement against one of the hottest fighters in the division.

The 28-year-old Mexican has failed to win his first two appearances in the world's largest combat sports organization, but he believes he can make a fresh start by defeating 17-year-old Ghazali at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado.

With so much at stake on one of the biggest cards of the year, “Tuzo” is putting his all into his training to leave the Circle with his first place on the winners list.

He said:

“Johan is a strong opponent. Despite his age, he continues to grow with every fight. I see it as a great opportunity because I know that if I beat him, even greater things will follow. It's a great opportunity for me and that's why I'm training hard. I know it's going to be a war.

“My training was more challenging. I focused on his strengths so that I could prepare properly. I tested my limits in training and feel motivated to compete against him.

“The thought of competing against him gets me excited in the morning and makes me give it my all.”

Ghazali has won five of his six appearances in ONE so far, four of those victories coming by knockout, so Cruz knows it won't be easy to get his hand raised.

However, he is willing to do what most others have not done: He stands firm and uses his experience to wait for opportunities against the 17-year-old prodigy.

While this poses risks, “Tuzo” knows that it will be an exciting spectacle for the North American audience on September 6th:

“Johan always goes forward and never backs down. He's always looking for the knockout. Because of his style, I know it will be an intense fight. He won't back down and neither will I. The fight will be full of adrenaline and we'll trade blows.”

“He is a complete fighter and does not have many weaknesses, but I noticed that in his last fight he lost his concentration. He seemed stressed because things were not going the way he wanted.

“I'm going to take advantage of that and make sure I take advantage of the moments when he's desperate.”

Cruz promises to show a “new and improved” version at ONE 168

Josue Cruz hasn't had an easy time at ONE so far. He's currently two fights undefeated in the world's largest combat sports organization, but he wants to prove that he belongs on the biggest stage.

Instead of looking for the easiest way back into the winner’s circle, “Tuzo” sees the next tough opponent as an opportunity to show how he has grown through adversity:

“My mentality is stronger now. Sometimes you think that defeats set you back, but they have made me more mature as a fighter. They have made me realize how I have to fight and what I have to change. I have made sure to make some changes in both my mental and physical training.

“Fighting against Johan motivates me and I will give it my all. The fans have not seen the best version of me and they will see a completely different 'Tuzo' Cruz.”

The Mahmoudi Gym Mexico athlete would not be able to maintain this positive attitude without a strong support network around him.

Doubts can easily creep in during downturns, but Cruz remains confident because there are others who believe in his vision of Muay Thai success on the world stage.

He explained:

“I have to give credit to my family, my wife and my team because they have helped me stay focused and continue to work towards my goals with high expectations. They are the ones who push me to get better for my upcoming fight and that is what motivates me every day.”

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