Muhammad Ali's grandson can't believe result of boxing fight
On the 50th anniversary of the Thrilla in Manila, Muhammad Ali's grandson Nico was held to a draw on his return to the squared-circle
Fifty years after Muhammad Ali famously stopped Joe Frazier in the Philippines, the boxing legend's grandson Nico Ali Walsh did not have the same luck on the anniversary of the Thrilla in Manila.
Frazier handed Ali the first loss of his professional career in 1972, before the latter levelled the series three years later at Madison Squared Garden, New York. The heavyweight rivals went head-to-head for a third and final time at the Philippine Coliseum, Quezon City.
In an epic back-and-forth slugfest, Frazier's trainer, Eddie Futch, requested the fight be stopped after the 14th round, handing Ali a famous 2-1 series win. Five decades on, Ali’s grandson Nico stepped foot in the very same ring as his legendary grandfather. The 25-year-old could not replicate Ali's success, though, following a majority draw against Thai boxer Kittisak Klinson.
After eight rounds, one judge scored the contest 77-74 in favour of Klinson, while the other two had it a 76-76 draw. Speaking after the fight, Ali Walsh said: “I wouldn’t be here today if not for God and my grandfather.
“I want to thank my grandfather for putting on an amazing show 50 years ago in this arena. Thank you guys for having me. I hope to be back soon. I don’t agree with the decision, I know you guys saw the real victor tonight.”
The American was eager to start the contest on the front foot, landing a wide range of combinations and catching his opponent off-guard with several left hooks to the body. Ali Walsh ended the third round by performing his grandfather's famous rope-a-dope technique - which the legendary boxer used in his showdown with George Foreman in Zaire in 1974.
That said, after the midway point, Walsh seemingly started to slow down and allow his rival back into the dust-up. In the final two rounds, the 25-year-old started finding some second wind, but it was not enough to get a stoppage. The card - billed as 'Thrilla In Manila 2' - was promoted by Manny Pacquiao's MP Promotions and IBA Pro. In the headline act, Melvin Jerusalem defended his WBC minimumweight title against Siyakholwa Kuse.
READ MORE: Manny Pacquiao confirms Floyd Mayweather rematch talks 10 years on from first boutREAD MORE: Tyson Fury prediction before Fabio Wardley fight proved spot onBefore Ali Walsh's contest with Klinson, the 25-year-old showed his true colours after he took time out of his busy training camp to give back to the local community. The American donated several gifts to children in the local area battling cancer. In a video uploaded to Instagram, he captioned the footage: "50 years after my grandfather fought in the Thrilla in Manila, I’m here in the Philippines continuing his legacy and making my own. Before my fight, I wanted to give back to the real fighters, the kids battling cancer. My mission has always been bigger than boxing. I’ll always be a champion of the people."
Ali Walsh began his professional boxing journey back in 2021 with a knockout victory over Jordan Weeks. "The Legend Lives On" was quick to rise up the ranks before suffering a split draw against Danny Rosenberger two years ago. However, the result was overturned to a no contest after Ali Walsh's foe failed a drug test. In his return fight, the young star suffered his first career defeat to Sona Akale before going unbeaten in his next three bouts. His second career defeat came at the hands of Juan Luis Guerra earlier this year.
When is the next boxing fight?
Joshua Buatsi and Zach Parker will clash on Saturday, November 1 in Manchester. The undercard is anticipated to commence at approximately 6pm UK time (1pm ET / 10am PT / 12pm CT). For the headline encounter, Parker will probably make his ring walk first at 10pm BST (5pm ET / 2pm PT / 4pm CT) with Buatsi expected to follow straight afterwards.
The entire spectacle will be broadcast live on DAZN. This popular streaming service can be accessed as an additional subscription on television sets. It's also available for live streaming via the official website or through the downloadable application. A DAZN membership costs £119.99 annually or £14.99 monthly, alternatively £24.99 on a flexible arrangement that permits cancellation at any time.
