‘Can punch’: Muhammad Ali’s grandson can’t win over boxing

Muhammad Ali’s grandson has moved to a perfect 2-0 record with a monster showing, but the boxing world is not yet convinced.

Nico Ali Walsh is now 2-0. Photo: Fox Sports

It’s hard to live in the shadow of a famous family member — especially when they’re the greatest of all time.

Muhammad Ali’s grandson Nico Ali Walsh is finding that out the hard way, after claiming his second TKO win in his second professional fight with a win over James Westley II.

Watch Boxing Live & On-Demand on Kayo. Selected international fights, classic bouts and more. New to Kayo? Start Your Free Trial >

On the short undercard of the Jamel Herring-Shakur Stevenson WBO junior lightweight world title fight, Ali Walsh came out with the stoppage after knocking down Westley at the end of the second round and again at the start of the third. Westley’s team then threw in the towel much to the fighter’s incredulity.

But as the grandson of one of the greatest of all time who was part of some of the greatest fights in the history of the sport, it appears fans aren’t going to accept anything but greatness.

The 21-year-old Ali Walsh was copping plenty of shots early and still has plenty to do but isn’t rushing his development.

The punch that finished the fight. Photo: Fox Sports

While his grandfather’s name puts him on big cards, Westley and his first opponent Jordan Weeks are both inexperienced fighters and Ali Walsh himself is inexperienced.

“SugarHill (Trainer Steward) would know his fighter is just thinking about offence, not thinking about defence,” former boxer Tim Bradley said in commentary. “That’s a huge flaw I see with Ali Walsh. He continues to get hit with right hands like that, he’s not going to have a long career. He’s shooting a jab from a bit too close and he keeps bouncing up and down and trying to get his rhythm, shooting the jab just to shoot the jab, it’s not an educated jab.”

But it didn’t stop Ali Walsh from bouncing back, flooring Westley with a monster right hand at the end of the second round.

Nico Ali Walsh with the 1-2 knockdown to close round two. #HerringStevensonpic.twitter.com/iOfLqtkwCO

— ESPN Ringside (@ESPNRingside) October 24, 2021

A knockdown seconds in the third round saw Westley’s corner throw in the towel.

After the fight, Ali Walsh said that he didn’t feel an early right hand from Westley that got the crowd and commentators excited.

“I’m blessed that I’m following this legacy of my grandfather,” he said. “I thank everyone who loves my grandfather who’s watching me and I love this legacy that I’m continuing.”

But while Ali Walsh clearly has some power in his right hand, boxing fans were far from sold about his future in the sport.

The big right hand from Ali Walsh. Photo: Fox Sports

Boxing writer Mark Ortega tweeted: “Evan Holyfield had business being on the main card. Nico Ali Walsh doesn’t.” Evander Holyfield’s 24-year-old son Evan moved to 8-0 in his pro career with a second round KO of Charles Stanford.

Boxing reporter Brendan Bradford wrote: “Neither of Ali’s opponents have been any good. He’s ok, I guess, but it’s interesting to watch.”

Author Kaled Beydoun posted: “Nico Ali Walsh can’t box. But he CAN punch. Interested to see where Muhammad Ali’s grandson’s boxing career is headed.”

Other fans were impressed by the performance.

Ali grandson gone be iight lol

— Brandon Barnes (@ig_barnes) October 24, 2021

Nico Ali Walsh needs work defensively, but he can punch!

— Detroit Griot (@JustCallmeBHunt) October 24, 2021

Nico Ali Walsh - Muhammad Ali's grandson - just improved to 2-0 with 2 KO's on Top Rank's ESPN card.

Got tagged early with his chin in the air but got better as the fight went. Young and raw but he'll keep improving. Good size for middleweight (6-feet).#StevensonHerring

— Bryan Fonseca 🇵🇷 (@BryanFonsecaNY) October 24, 2021