Nico Ali Walsh may not float like a butterfly like his famous grandfather, but he is showing evidence, with five knockouts in eight fights, that he can sting like a bee.
Ali Walsh turned pro on August 14, 2021, but it was unclear what his goal was other than to pay tribute to his late grandfather, “The Greatest” Muhammad Ali. Walsh had no fan history and neither promoters nor managers came knocking on his door begging him to sign him.
As his two-year anniversary as a professional approaches, things have definitely changed when he fights Danny Rosenberger at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on the pay-per-view portion of the Devin Haney-Vasily Lomachenko undercard. He is 8-0, and while it is clear that he reveres his famous grandfather and seeks to honor him in almost everything, it is also clear that Ali Walsh now sees himself as a full-time fighter.
He dreams of winning a world championship as a way to carry on the family legacy, but also insists that it is not a dream but a valid possibility.
“I’m much happier where I am now,” Ali Walsh told Yahoo Sports when asked to provide an overview of his progress over a 21-month career. He said, ‘I have surprised everyone by reaching here. I keep shocking people, but I’ll be honest: I shocked myself.”
“He knew what he was capable of. I knew I had the work ethic to become a champion. Still, it’s very, very serious to be where I am.”
Now let’s rain on this parade for a moment. Nine fights into his career, Muhammad Ali was clearly an elite professional who just needed seasoning. He was an Olympic gold medalist and had extensive amateur experience. With the speed and reflexes of a middleweight, the power of a heavyweight, and the greatest will and courage to do so, he may be the most physically gifted heavyweight ever.
Many doubts remain about Ali Walsh’s ability to handle high-level opposition. Rosenberger is 13-9-4, has won seven straight matches and is Ali Walsh’s best opponent ever. No one in their right mind predicts Rosenberger will win a championship or even challenge for one, but he is experienced and will test the younger wrestlers in need.
Ali Walsh, who has a tattoo of his grandfather on his right arm, gets it. He is a smart and charming guy who has handled his sudden fame with confidence. If you were to name three of the fittest and coolest men in boxing, I would definitely be on that list.
He can’t leave the house, he said, without being mobbed by fans who recognize him as the grandson of one of the greatest boxers ever, one of the sport’s greatest figures.
Nico Ali Walsh is happy with his progress since turning professional and says his fight with Danny Rosenberger on Saturday is a step in the right direction on his way to a world title.
He said that after signing with Top Rank, promoter Bob Arum warned him about the pressure, and he didn’t get it. But as he’s matured and really gotten into the boxing business, he understands now.
He said, ‘I am surprised that my life has changed so much in just one and a half years. “I don’t leave my house with a braid, and they don’t recognize me anymore. This happens every single time, especially when I’m in any type of athletic setting. Like I’m at the gym, wow. If I’m in the Protein House, it’s insane. But I’m not going to give up my dreams because of what it will do in my life.”
The more successful you are, and the closer you are to a championship, the more it will grow. He knows that every interview he does will involve his grandfather in one way or another. You will always be in limelight.
But now he wants to wear that belt around his waist like many of his peers, and he will leave no stone unturned to get it. He said he got himself into the best shape he could in preparing for Rosenberger.
“The way I am now, if I was facing Canelo [Alvarez] i will feel safe on the 20th [even though] I will lose,” Ali Walsh said. “I will lose, but I will still feel confident because of the work I’ve done and the improvements I’ve made.”
