- Nico Ali Walsh knocked out Alejandro Ibarra to retain his undefeated pro boxing record
- The 21-year-old is dedicating his career to his late grandfather Muhammad Ali
Being a grandson of Muhammad Ali, Nico Ali Walsh quickly made waves in the sport for obvious reasons. However, he appears to be proving that he’s more than just a famous name as he had just scored another sensational win to extend his unbeaten pro boxing record.
Bringing the legend back to life
Ali Walsh faced Alejandro Ibarra in a middleweight bout at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on Saturday. The fight did not last long as the 21-year-old made quick work of his opponent by landing a devastating right hand to Ibarra’s chin in the very first round.
The knockout win saw Ali Walsh improving his pro record to 5-0. After his sensational win, Ali Walsh credited his hard work while also declaring that he’s bringing back his late legendary grandfather back to life along with his success.
“This is just a testament to all the work I put in,” Ali Walsh said post-fight. “Stuff like this happens when you put the work in. I’m bringing my grandpa back to life, and that’s why mom gets so emotional because she’s seeing her dad again and hearing her dad’s name to me.”
What a night!! Thank you to everyone who chanted “Ali” in the crowd and everyone supporting me. Alhamdulillah for another victory and more to come!! 5-0 🦋🔥 pic.twitter.com/hbBeI0nh8t
— Nico Ali Walsh (@nicoaliwalsh) May 1, 2022
A Legacy of his own
Ahead of his fight against Ibarra, Ali Walsh emphasized that “it’s impossible” to emulate his late grandfather. Hence, he’s out to prove that he can carve his own path in the sport.
“It’s impossible,” Ali Walsh told Sky Sports of the possibility of emulating his grandfather. “I want to continue my grandfather’s legacy in the ring and outside the ring but while doing so I want to create my own path, a legacy of my own. Nobody will be able to do what my grandfather did, nobody will be able to reach the heights that he did, I don’t think. So that’s not what I’m trying to do, I’m not trying to do the impossible. But even better, I’m trying to build off it and create my own thing.”
Homecoming complete 🥺
@NicoAliX74 x #ValdezStevenson pic.twitter.com/l3QU7w3kO8
— Top Rank Boxing (@trboxing) May 1, 2022
Ali Walsh is currently signed with famed boxing promotion Top Rank. According to Top Rank boss Bob Arum, his plan is to book the youngster for a fight at the Madison Square Garden, “where his grandfather excelled.”
