The grandson of Muhammad Ali, Nico Ali Walsh, is about to set off a journey bordering on the impossible, making a name for himself in the ring while carrying the name of his legendary grandfather.
The 21-year-old will fight for the first time on Saturday night as a pro, in a scheduled four-round middleweight bout in Oklahoma.
He’ll do it on national television, not because of anything he’s done in boxing but because he descends from greatness.
Report says Ali Walsh 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 charisma of his grandfather, he’s an engaging young man in his own right.
“I’m going out to continue my family legacy. I’m going out to make my own (legacy),” Ali Walsh said.
“To the world, it may be continuing the legacy of the greatest fighter that ever lived but I don’t see it that way,” Ali Walsh said.
“I see it as continuing the legacy of my grandfather.”
AFP