Nico Ali Walsh was announced as the victor, while the crowd roared with approval. The grandson of the widely acclaimed best heavyweight boxer of all time Muhammad Ali had defeated Jordan Weeks on Saturday night at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Oklahoma.
Nico’s grandfather, Muhammad Ali, who died a couple of years ago remains one of the most celebrated heavyweight boxers in history. When Ali Walsh steps into the ring, there are high expectations for him to carry on the family legacy. And that’s what he did, defeating Jordan Weeks in just under two minutes with 1:49 remaining in the first round.
The match which was organized by the 89-year veteran boxing promoter, Bob Arum, ex promoter of legendary Muhammed Ali saw a dominating performance by Ali Walsh and one that surely sent a message to the boxing world that he is a force to be reckoned with.
Ali Walsh kicked off his professional boxing career with a bang, earning a TKO in the first round of his debut fight. 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 Jordan Weeks to the canvas.
And though Jordan Weeks got back on his feet afterward, Ali Walsh’s frequent punches on his opponent informed the referee who 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.
The 21-year-old wore a pair of shorts that he says were originally gifted to him by his legendary grandfather. I’m never wearing these trunks again,” said Ali Walsh according to a report by Associated Press.
When Wash steps into the ring, he feels the presence of his grandfather guiding him to victory. And last night was no exception. Excited about 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!”
African Giant Muhammad Ali died in 2016 at age 74. The prolific boxer — whose nickname was “The Greatest”. It appears that Walsh is motivated by more than just winning; he wants to make sure that his grandfather is looking down and proud of him. That’s an admirable goal, and it will be interesting to see how Walsh progresses in the future.
“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!”
“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..” He stated in his victory post on Instagram
It was a poignant moment for the young boxer, who has always looked up to his grandfather. And with Ali now gone, it seems like Walsh is more determined than ever to make him proud.
