“He's got a big future ahead” - Diego Paez urges young star Johan Ghazali to keep his head up after their epic slugfest

Veteran striker Diego Paez got the better of teen phenom Johan Ghazali in their clash last week in Thailand. He, however, encouraged 'Jojo' to keep his head up for he sees a bright future ahead for the young star.

The 32-year-old South Californian Paez scored a breakthrough victory over Ghazali in their flyweight Muay Thai showdown at ONE Fight Night 32: Nakrob vs. Jaosuayai on June 6 at the Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand. He won by split decision in their scheduled three-rounder to book his first victory in ONE Championship.

In an interview with combat sports journalist Nick Atkin, Diego Paez shared his thoughts on his and Ghazali's performances.

The Classic Fight Team representative said:

"You know, I didn't have much to say to him. I was enjoying my moment. But like I said earlier, he's a respectable opponent, you know. He's got a big future ahead."

Watch the interview below:

Diego Paez had an intense back-and-forth against Ghazali at ONE Fight Night 32. He showed a lot of composure in standing toe-to-toe against his Malaysian-American opponent.

Along the way he showcased his well-timed and crisp counters, which greatly helped his cause in hacking out a narrow decision win.

The victory at ONE Fight Night 32 was a rebound for Paez after he lost by split decision to fellow American Sean Climaco in his promotional debut in June.

For Ghazali, the defeat was his second straight and third in his last four matches.

The full replay of ONE Fight Night 32 is available on demand for Prime Video subscribers in North America.

Diego Paez expresses readiness to plunge back into action even on a short turnaround

Diego Paez said he is in top form and expressed his readiness to get back into action after his victory at ONE Fight Night 32 even on a short turnaround.

He shared this in his interview with Nick Atkin, relaying that while the immediate plan is to recover and celebrate his latest win, he wants to get back into the ring again as soon as there is an opportunity.

Paez said:

"Sometimes I feel like I'm not hurt and then the next morning I wake up I'm like "Holy s***." So, I mean, I feel ready, though. I definitely want to get back in here again this year for sure. We'll see how things play out. Got to go home and settle. Enjoy that one."

In joining ONE Championship this year, Paez aims to throw his name in the mix of the elite Muay Thai fighters in the world after establishing his name in the Muay Thai scene in the United States.