Grandson of Muhammad Ali signs pro deal with his former promoter
- Joe Hewlett
- 28 June 2021
Bob Arum admitted Muhammad Ali was the best fighter he ever promoted.
The Top Rank CEO worked alongside "The Greatest" in 27 of his 61 professional contests, including the 'Thrilla in Manila' against Joe Frazier and Ken Norten at Yankee Stadium in 1976.
Ali, previously known as Cassius Clay, also racked up two wins against Sonny Liston and defeated George Foreman in 1974's 'Rumble in the Jungle'.
His daughter Laila Ali competed in the ring from 1999 to 2007 and won multiple world titles in the super middleweight division.
She retired with an unblemished record of 24-0 with 21 wins coming inside the distance.
Nico Ali Walsh, the 20-year-old grandson of Muhammad Ali, is the latest from the Ali family to turn over as a professional boxer.
He has signed a multi-fight promotional pact with Top Rank and will turn pro in a four-round middleweight bout on August 14.
Ali Walsh is the son of retired US Marine Corps Sergeant Robert Walsh and Rasheda Ali Walsh - Muhammad Ali's daughter - and a noted public speaker who uses her platform to raise money for Parkinson's research.
"I'm doing what I love," Ali Walsh said. "Signing with Top Rank is a dream come true. I'm going to have fun on August 14 and the next time I fight.
"Top Rank will give me the name, date and location, and I'll have a great time. I am honored to continue the fighting legacy that my grandfather started. It is a responsibility I don't take lightly."
Ali Walsh has enlisted a pair of Kronk Gym's most notable figures for his in-ring development. SugarHill Steward, nephew of the late Emanuel Steward and the head trainer of WBC heavyweight world champion Tyson Fury, will be his chief second.
Richard T. Slone, who held numerous positions at Kronk and is now a world-renowned artist, will be in Ali Walsh's corner as a trainer and cut man.
During a recent training camp in Las Vegas, he sparred former world champion Julian Williams and unbeaten junior welterweight contender Shohjahon Ergashev.
Some of Ali Walsh's earliest gym memories are with his grandfather by his side. Ali remains a symbol of sport and humanity to countless people, but to Ali Walsh, he's the beloved grandpa he calls "Poppy."
"To me, I was hanging out in the gym with my grandfather. Sometimes I have to remind myself that he's everyone's idol," Ali Walsh added.
