Muhammad Ali’s grandson Nico Ali Walsh all set for prow bow
Of the nine children that Muhammad Ali had, only Laila followed in his footsteps, creating a great legacy in women’s boxing and becoming a benchmark for new generations.
Laila retired undefeated in 24 fights (21 wins by KO) and was an eleven-time world champion, in two divisions. Now is the opportunity for Nico Ali Walsh, son of the youngest daughter of the “King of Boxing.” Nico has an amateur experience of 30 fights and has decided to take the step to prof ranks. Ali Walsh will debut on a card presented by Top Rank, with whom he signed a multi-fight contract. He fights tomorrow night at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Tulsa.
Nico Ali Walsh will not have an easy debut, as he will face fellow American Jordan Weeks (4-1, 2 KO) in a four-round middleweight fight.
In addition to a worthy rival, the pressure of his grandfather’s legacy will be present. Nico is being trained by Sugarhill Steward, also Tyson Fury’s trainer, at the famous Kronk Gym.
He said of his pro debut, "I feel like everyone puts this pressure on me because of my grandfather being who he was, but to me, it’s just my grandfather. To everyone else, it’s the Greatest of All Time. I believe that too, but to me, it’s just my grandfather. I think he’d be most excited that I’m being promoted by Bob Arum and Top Rank. The tradition of Arum promoting my grandfather to now promoting me is pretty amazing, so he’d have a lot to say about that. It’s been amazing.
"I’ve been training with SugarHill and BB Hudson, and we’re having a great time in the gym. I’m learning a lot, and it’s been quite the experience. I’m not surprised with the attention. I know my grandfather is a pretty special person to a lot of people. It’s pretty good hearing all the stories, knowing that my grandfather has so much love and admiration and people are carrying that onto me. That’s great, but it doesn’t affect my preparation. I would be training the same if I was Joe Schmo on the street."
Brains complimenting brawn, because Nico combines boxing with his studies in economics at the University of Nevada.
Walsh's pro bow takes place on the eagerly awaited trilogy event between WBA World Super flyweight champion Joshua Franco (17-1-2, 8KOs) and bitter rival Andrew Moloney (21-1, 14KOs).
Australian 'The Monster' Moloney lost the first fight to the Texan in June 2020, but their rematch in November that same year ended in controversy as it was ruled a 'No Decision' following an accidental headbutt that closed the champion's eye. The 30-year-old from New South Wales still maintains that it was a punch that caused the cut and that he should be champion right now. He gets the chance to avenge his only career defeat tonight in Oklahoma.
Nico's ringwalk will be from 10pm ET (2am UK time) onwards. Full running order of event HERE
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