Muhammad Ali’s grandson returns to winning ways after first professional loss
Muhammad Ali’s grandson Nico Ali Walsh bounced back from his first professional boxing defeat with a victory over Noel Lafargue in Guinea on Saturday. Walsh is aiming to carry on his famous grandfather’s legacy in the ring, and he beat the Frenchman by decision.
Muhammad Ali, often hailed as the greatest boxer of all time, has his legendary legacy continued through Walsh. After starting his career in 2021, he made an impression when he wore his grandad’s iconic Everlast shorts, which were given to him after Ali’s passing in 2016.
Walsh was looking to get back on the winning track after losing his previously perfect professional record to Sona Akale. He suffered the loss to Akale by majority decision earlier this year.
Back in August, Walsh was looking to return to winning ways but his clash with Danny Rosenberger ended in a no-contest after Rosenberger tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs. Walsh was waiting for a comeback performance after his first professional defeat for some time, and he made sure that happened against Lafargue.
When Walsh arrived in Guinea ahead of his bout with Lafargue, crowds of people filled the streets to give him a hero’s welcome, complete with music and a parade. The locals honored him as Ali’s successor and showed their support ahead of the fight.
Walsh, after his first victory on African soil, now has a 9-1 professional boxing record. Ali, who was always warmly welcomed by the African population, had some of his most iconic fights in the continent, including the legendary bout against George Foreman.
One of Ali’s greatest moments was the ‘Rumble in the Jungle’ in Kinshasa, Zaire in 1974. Using strategic tactics like the ‘Rope a Dope’ technique, Ali defeated Foreman and reclaimed the WBC, WBA, and lineal heavyweight titles.
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Despite taking many hits from Foreman, Ali kept fighting. Foreman’s incredible power did not overwhelm Ali, whose endurance led him to a great victory.
After defeating Sonny Liston for the world heavyweight championship in 1964, Ali, then known as Cassius Clay, visited Lagos, Nigeria. The crowds hailed him as ‘The King of the World’.
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