Jordan Boy recalls lesson in respect ahead of Manila battle

Then only a 17-year-old, he was forced to spar and train with experienced athletes at Sampuri Muay Thai Gym in Ampang, Kuala Lumpur.

Those sessions taught him an immensely valuable lesson in respect.

“During the start of my career, it was hard for me as my coach would pair me with experienced people,” Mohammed recalled.

“It taught me a lot about respect. They were better than me, and [respect] is a lesson which I still bring to the stage.”

READ: 3 reasons why Jordan Boy will leave Manila victorious

On Friday, 25 January, expect Mohammed to bring out a hungrier and more respectful version of himself when he takes on Japan’s Hiroaki “Kaibutsukun” Suzuki (40-11-1, 1 NC) at ONE: HERO’S ASCENT in Manila, Philippines.

The ONE Super Series Muay Thai bout will be contested in the bantamweight division, and both competitors will wear 4-ounce mixed martial arts gloves.

Mohammed already enjoyed a sweet debut in December, where he knocked out Stergos “Greek Dynamite” Mikkios at ONE: DESTINY OF CHAMPIONS in Kuala Lumpur.

The Kedah-born striker is hoping to extend his ONE Championship winning streak to two this coming Friday. Despite being confident of victory, “Jordan Boy” knows his opponent will bring out the best in him.

“He is a good athlete. I respect him, but when the bell rings, we need to carry out our job,” he said.

“After the match, I will speak to him and befriend him. I have big respect for my opponent.”

Though this will be Mohammed’s 34th professional bout, it will mark his first battle in Manila.

It is a completely new experience for the young Malaysian, but he is enjoying every second of it.

“Manila is such a nice place,” he said. “Everyone here is so nice. I’m really happy to be here, and I hope to have another match here one day.”

Mohammed’s trip so far has proven to be a memorable outing as he managed to meet ONE Championship Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong, who wished him a good battle ahead on his recent Instagram post.