Nico Ali Walsh, the grandson of late boxing great Muhammad Ali, is set to make his professional boxing debut. The grandson of the boxing great Muhammad Ali, Nico Ali Walsh, will make his professional debut on Saturday the 14th of August; in a scheduled four-round middleweight bout in Oklahoma.
Ali Walsh had been fighting amateur but then signed with Top Rank, a locally headquartered promotional company to turn pro in the middleweight division. Now the 21-year-old will take on Jordan Weeks, a former MMA fighter; at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Tulsa in Oklahoma as the grandson of “The Greatest”.
Adding more drama to the event is the fact that Nico Ali’s bouts will be promoted by Bob Arum, who famously organised Muhammad Ali fights. Arum, 89, first promoted an Ali fight in 1966 and organised another 27 of Ali’s fights between 1966 and 1978. One of those bouts was the memorable ‘Thrilla in Manila’ against Joe Frazer.
According to Africanews, Ali Walsh himself understands he’s getting a chance because of his name. But the college student fought as an amateur and believes he has the skills to be a top fighter.
And while he doesn’t have the bombastic charisma of his grandfather, he’s an engaging young man in his own right.
“I’m going out to continue my family legacy,” Ali Walsh said. “I’m going out to make my own (legacy).”