Russian rival claims Jojo belongs in movies, not ring
KUALA LUMPUR: Russian combatant Rustam Yunusov stoked the fires of an escalating rivalry with Johan Ghazali, saying the rising Malaysian sensation belongs on a film set rather than in the ring.
Russian combatant Rustam Yunusov has suggested that Malaysian rising star Johan Ghazali, also known as Jojo, is more suited for a film career rather than a boxing ring. Yunusov made this claim during a recent interview with ONE Championship, stating that he only fights genuine fighters and not actors. In response, Jojo dismissed Yunusov's taunt with characteristic confidence, taking it as a compliment and stating that he would be proud of his looks and economic standing.
The 19-year-old also expressed openness to settling the score in the ring if the fans demand it, adding that he would win again, just as he did in their previous clashes. The rivalry between the two fighters dates back to their shared participation in the IFMA World Youth Muaythai Championships, where Yunusov won the first two encounters.
Jojo, however, secured victory in their third meeting at the 2022 edition. Jojo is currently gearing up for a high-stakes December matchup against Johan Estupinan.
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