Denis Puric Demands Big Paycheck to Fight Johan Ghazali in Malaysia
Denis Puric Sets Condition to Face Ghazali: Pay Me Big
Veteran Muay Thai fighter Denis Puric has thrown down the gauntlet to Malaysia’s rising star Johan Ghazali, stating that he’s open to fighting him — but only if ONE Championship offers enough money to make the bout worthwhile.
The 40-year-old Bosnian-Canadian said the fight doesn’t benefit him in any meaningful way unless a “big paycheck” is involved.
Puric Says the Match Doesn’t Benefit Him
In an interview with Bangkok Post, Puric reacted to Ghazali’s recent social media post in which the teenage fighter declared himself a “pioneer” of combat sports in Malaysia.
“To the entire Malaysian fight community, I just want to say ‘you’re welcome,’” wrote Ghazali, crediting his “genius marketing” and “crazy fight style” for putting Muay Thai on the map in the country.
This prompted a sharp response from Puric, who laughed and called Ghazali “delusional.”
“This kid is out of his mind,” Puric said from Canada, where he’s currently training to fight Takeru Segawa at ONE 173 in Tokyo. “This fight doesn’t do anything for me.”
“If I win, people will say ‘you beat a kid.’ If I lose, they’ll say ‘you lost to a kid.’ It makes no sense at all.”
“But if they pay me a lot of money, sure — I’ll beat this kid badly. Pay me a fat paycheck in Malaysia and I’ll shut him up in front of all his fans. These people are crazy.”
Ongoing War of Words
The back-and-forth between the two fighters has been brewing for months. Ghazali, who is part American and still in his teens, has repeatedly challenged Puric publicly.
While Ghazali has quickly become one of Malaysia’s top combat sports icons, Puric believes all the attention has gone to his head.
“He’s not a bad fighter, but he’s not great either,” said Puric. “Maybe one day he’ll be great — if he gets out of his own head. Take a lesson and learn humility. You don’t need to do all this.”
Still, Puric made it clear there’s no personal hatred — just business.
“I don’t hate anyone. I love everybody,” he said. “But with the money I’m getting right now, this fight makes no sense. If it makes dollars, it makes sense.”
They’ve Met Before — As Coaches
Interestingly, the two fighters had already crossed paths last month at the IFMA Youth World Championships 2025 in Abu Dhabi, where both served as coaches.
They were cordial, posed for photos, and even discussed sparring.
“I told him, ‘Let’s put on shin pads and go at it,’” Puric recalled. “If he can beat me, maybe I’ll give him that fight.”
Right now, Puric is focused on his upcoming bout against Takeru and a potential shot at the ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Title. But if ONE Championship plans a return to Malaysia, and if the money is right — Puric is ready.
“Hey, whatever he wants,” Puric said. “He’s a superstar over there, they throw parades for him. I’m happy for him — but if they pay me right, I’ll shut him up.”
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Source : Bangkok Post
