KUALA LUMPUR: Vietnam's Nguyen Tran Duy Nhat has tipped Muay Thai phenom Johan Ghazali Zulfikar to become a world champion in the future.
Duy Nhat ended Johan's five-fight winning streak in the ONE Championship series after beating him via unanimous decision in their flyweight bout at ONE 167 in Bangkok today.
Duy Nhat, a five-time WMF Muay Thai world title holder and a former Sea Games gold medallist, however, had nothing but praise for his 17-year-old opponent.
"Johan is young and strong. He has a strong mind as well, and he will certainly be a future world champion of ONE Championship," said Duy Nhat after the fight at the Impact Arena.
Duy Nhat, 35, showed his experience as he defended well against an aggressive Johan.
He wore down Johan with leg kicks - one of which briefly knocked down Johan in the third - and counter-striking when possible.
In the end, Duy Nhat's efficient, more conservative strategy paid off as the judges scored the fight his way.
Johan, beter known by his nickname Jojo, apologised to his fans.
"It was frustrating because Nguyen is a technical fighter. He has a lot of experience, he knew
what was coming before it came," said Johan, whose nickname is Jojo.
"Sorry to all the Malaysian fans who came all the way to Bangkok to support me. I 100 per cent felt their support in there.
"Keep on supporting me. I do it for the fans. I'll be back."