Nico Ali Walsh took a big step in continuing the legacy of his grandfather Muhammad Ali after he won his first professional boxing match on Saturday night in an impressive fashion.
According to Sky Sports, the fight between Ali Walsh and Jordan Weeks was ended less than two minutes into the first round after the 21-year-old outclassed his opponent by successfully throwing a series of heavy and unanswered punches at him. One of those punches sent Weeks to the canvas.
And though Weeks got back on his feet afterward, Ali Walsh continued to go on the attack before the referee eventually ended the bout to prevent any further damage. The boxer’s mother, Rasheda Ali, was at the ringside to support her son. The 51-year-old is Muhammad Ali’s second-oldest daughter.
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Following his victory, Ali Walsh spoke about his grandfather’s legacy, saying, “I’ve been thinking about him so much. I miss him.”
“It seems like a lot of pressure but, to me, he’s just my grandfather. To the crowd he is the greatest fighter who ever lived and maybe the greatest person,” he added. “To me? He’s the greatest grandfather!”
Saturday’s fight was organized by veteran boxing promoter Bob Arum. The 89-year-old previously worked with Muhammad Ali and promoted 27 of the deceased legendary boxer’s fights – including October 1975’s “Thrilla in Manila.”
“He promoted my grandfather and now me. It’s ridiculous. Something that should be in a Hollywood movie,” Ali Walsh said.
The pair of white trunks Ali Walsh wore during his fight belonged to his grandfather, and the legendary boxer gifted it to him, the Associated Press reported. “I’m never wearing these trunks again,” Ali Walsh said.
The boxer also shared his excitement following his victory in a post on Instagram. “Alhamdulillah for the victory! I’m blessed and honored to say that I continued history tonight. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone that supported me!” the 21-year-old shared.
“I brought my grandfather in the ring with me by wearing his shorts for the first and final time as a professional fighter. I’m more than proud to say: The Legacy Continues…”
