KUALA LUMPUR – Despite being stranded in Mecca after his return flight was cancelled, national Muay Thai sensation Johan Ghazali has continued training near the holy city during the early hours of sahur, ensuring his preparations for upcoming bouts remain uninterrupted.
The 19-year-old, better known as Jojo Ghazali, travelled to Saudi Arabia with his family at the start of Ramadan to perform the umrah pilgrimage.
They were scheduled to return to Malaysia last Sunday, but their journey home was disrupted following the closure of airspace in several West Asian countries.
Jojo revealed the development through a social media post, sharing a screenshot of an official email from Malaysia Airlines confirming the cancellation of their flight.
According to the notice, no new departure date has been set, and passengers have been advised not to proceed to the airport until further updates are issued.
While awaiting clarity on their return, the ONE Championship athlete has made full use of his extended stay in the Holy Land.
Videos and images posted online showed Jojo jogging in the vicinity of Mecca before dawn and carrying out light technical drills to maintain his fitness ahead of his next assignment in ONE Championship.
The clips depicted the teenager engaging in roadwork sessions and shadowboxing, underscoring his discipline and commitment to staying fight-ready despite the uncertainty surrounding his travel plans.
In a lighter moment, Jojo also kept spirits high with a touch of humour. He jokingly remarked that he was “not safe” being stranded with his mother, sharing a playful photograph that drew amused reactions from fans.
For now, Jojo and his family remain in Saudi Arabia pending further updates from the airline. The situation has attracted attention from Malaysian sports followers, many of whom have expressed hope that arrangements for their safe return will be finalised in the coming days.
Although temporarily grounded abroad, Jojo’s preparations inside the ring appear firmly on course. — March 2, 2026