Nico Ali Walsh, the grandson of the legendary boxer Muhammad Ali, is preparing to make his professional debut and carry on the family legacy this summer.
The 20-year-old boxer, who is the son of Ali's daughter, Rasheda, with husband Robert Walsh, has recently signed with Top Rank, the same company that boosted his grandfather's career, which Bob Arum owns. Since the announcement of his professional debut, Ali Walsh has also been getting guidance under Sugarhill Steward, the head trainer of Tyson Fury.
In a statement, Ali Wash said that he's not taking this role quite lightly given the honor his grandfather left behind. However, as much as the world regards Ali as this larger-than-life figure, the grandson said that the boxing legend will always be fondly "Poppy" to him.
Nico Ali Walsh's Childhood
Boxing was all around Ali Walsh as a young boy in Las Vegas, who always had a front seat to his grandfather's training in action. He learned to love the sport as a child but did not yet know if he should pursue this sport professionally. Her aunt, Laila Ali, also became a professional boxer and one of the world's best female fighters.
Around 10 to 14 years old, Ali Walsh started joining amateur boxing fights, which surprised his mother because Rasheda did not think her son was 100 percent into the idea. Over time, Ali Walsh started to become passionate about boxing. However, as his mother said, he still wasn't certain this would be his future. However, his older brother noticed that he has the same heart and drive for the sport, just like their famous grandfather.
A couple of years before Ali passed away due to Parkinson's disease, Ali Walsh, then just a teenager, asked Poppy if he should just quit the sport. He pleaded with Ali to tell him if he won't be able to handle the challenges and the pressure. His grandfather squeezed his hand so hard to signal that he should not stop boxing.
Expectations and Pressure
The young talent said that he will always have a target on his back in the ring because of his family name. But Steward sees his abilities to be ready to fight professionally by the summer.
On the other hand, Arum described the young adult as a "lovely and well-spoken boy." The promoter said there would be plenty of expectations from Ali's grandson. However, the 20-year-old is such a grounded, college-bred kid that he would still be the perfect athlete to introduce to the world, even without his impressive family name. He has confidence that Ali Walsh will be able to carry the pressure.
Ali Walsh will be marking his first professional fight on August 14 in a four-round bout in Oklahoma against a still-unnamed opponent. The bout will be aired live on ESPN. Regardless of the results, Top Rank plans to bring Ali Wash to matches in Las Vegas and New York in due time.
The 20-year-old said that he would not try to become the "next Muhammad Ali," but he will be proud to carry his grandfather's legacy.
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