Muhammad Ali’s grandson could be heading Down Under later this year for a fight between two of world boxing’s most famous families — with the hyped American revealing he is “definitely” keen on a showdown with fellow young gun Nikita Tszyu.
On the same weekend Australia’s Liam Wilson was controversially beaten — or “robbed” — out of the WBO super featherweight title, young American prospect Nico Ali Walsh continued his own rise in the middleweight division.
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Still only 22, the Las Vegas prospect earned a strong unanimous decision win over Eduardo Ayala on the Wilson undercard, taking his undefeated run to eight fights since turning pro in 2021.
With Ali Walsh having already developed a strong following Stateside, Fox Sports Australia can now reveal Aussie promoters No Limit also consider the grandson of boxing’s ‘Greatest’ a perfect challenger for the undefeated younger son of Kostya Tszyu.
While only informal discussions have so far taken place, the popular American fighter – who, like his grandfather, is managed by Top Rank — confirmed a showdown between two of world boxing’s most famous families intrigued him.
Speaking backstage after his win against Ayala — which included dropping his rival in the second round – Ali Walsh said: “I don’t know too much about the Tszyu brothers but obviously I’ve heard of them.
Emotional Wilson reacts post-fight | 02:57
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“And I definitely want to have a fight down there in Australia, I love it.
“I’ve never been but mum has, I have fans down there and I’ve only ever heard amazing things.
“So I guess time will tell.
“If it’s supposed to happen it will happen.”
Changing after his fight into a white t-shirt adorned with colourful butterflies — and with the phrase ‘Unfinished Legacy’ writ big across the front — Ali Walsh also sported a large gold butterfly pendant from a chain around his neck.
“When my grandfather said ‘float like a butterfly …’ it really stuck with my family,” the boxer explained of his fight night gear. “So we all love butterflies and it definitely reminds me of my grandfather now.
“Having all these butterflies around, it’s like keeping a piece of him with me.
“That’s why I’m always wearing them.”
The son of Rasheda Ali, the second eldest of the heavyweight legend’s nine children, Nico was strong throughout all six rounds of his win on the undercard of Wilson’s contentious championship loss to Mexican superstar Emanuel Navarrete.
Navarrete vs. Wilson: Fight highlights | 03:31
Apart from being cheered on by a large crew including his parents and legendary US rapper Flavor Flav – “that’s my Godfather, he’s amazing” – the young fighter also headed into the crowd afterwards to pose for photographs with his growing legion of fans.
Told he looked at ease with the attention surrounding his career, Ali Walsh replied: “I saw it growing up with my grandfather who was so nice to everyone.
“He took pictures with everyone, signed every autograph … he’s my hero and I want to be like that.
“I’m ready for it.”
And as for his performance inside the ring?
“I thought it was beautiful,” he continued. “Of course, there are always things to improve on.
“But it was very telling in regards to what I’ve been working on. I’ve been working hard and it’s showing now.”
Mystery mouthpiece robs Wilson? | 00:49
There is no doubting 2023 also looms as a massive year for the Tszyu clan, with Tim Tszyu first set to fight American Tony Harrison for the WBO interim super welterweight title in March.
A win there will put the undefeated Sydneysider (21-0) straight into a unification bout with reigning division king Jermell Charlo.
Nikita, meanwhile, is also set to fight on his brother’s next undercard, which will also be attended by their Hall of Fame Father.
Dubbed ‘The Butcher’, the younger Tszyu sibling is three years older than Ali Walsh but has had just four professional fights, all wins.
Despite fighting predominantly as a super welterweight, Fox Sports Australia understands No Limit would move him up one weight class if a deal could be struck with Top Rank for a showdown with Ali Walsh.
