On Saturday Night August 14th in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the stage was set for the boxing trilogy between Joshua Franco and Andrew Moloney. The two boxers initially faced off in June of 2020 when Franco defeated Moloney and won the WBA Super Flyweight title. Nine months later the rematch was stopped two rounds into the match when Franco suffered an eye injury after an accidental head clash. The bout was declared a No Contest. Joshua Franco capped off the trilogy with a win, but for the second week in a row, a boxing main event wasn’t the featured attraction.
Middleweight boxer Jordan Weeks was a participant for the co-main event. As he walked to the ring, his reality was the fact that he could be the star in one of two roles. He could play the role of the competitor needed to get his opponent’s career established, or he could play the role of spoiler, and put an end to his opponent’s pro career before it gets started. His opposition had zero fights, but yet he was receiving a lot of media attention.
Nico Ali Walsh is the grandson of legendary boxer and 3-time heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali. All eyes were on him as he walked to the ring. He walked to the ring wearing white boxing trunks that were trimmed in black. The Everlast boxing trunks were made for Muhammad Ali. He gifted the trunks to his grandson. Approximately sixty years ago Ali Walsh’s grandfather took that same ring walk for the very first time. Moments away from making his pro boxing debut, Nico Ali Walsh walked to the ring carrying 162 pounds on his body frame, and the weight of a name on his shoulders. After entering the ring he stood next to his trainer Sugar Hill Steward. Sugar Hill is the nephew of hall of fame trainer Emmanuel Steward.
Once he received the final instructions from the referee, Ali Walsh returned to his corner and waited for the opening bell. As soon as the bell sounded, the 21-year-old went to work by using a crisp jab. He followed the jab with a right hand that sent Weeks down to the canvas. Jordan Weeks got up and Ali Walsh unloaded a barrage of power shots. The referee proceeded to step in and stop the fight.
Rasheda Ali Walsh, the daughter of Muhammad Ali, released tears of joy as she watched her son win his first pro bout. Rasheda and her husband Robert shared a hug to celebrate the victory. Also celebrating in the crowd was Nico Ali Walsh’s godfather, rapper Flavor Flav.
The fans and the commentators were impressed with Ali Walsh’s debut. “I love the bounce. I love the balance. I like the right hand he possesses,” former welterweight champion and current boxing analyst Timothy Bradley stated.
After the post fight interview, Nico Ali Walsh took a photo with his promoter Bob Arum and other members of his team. The 89-year-old Arum promoted 27 fights for Muhammad Ali. The first fight he promoted for Muhammad Ali took place in 1966. As the GOAT’s grandson Nico Ali Walsh was posing for the photographs, he flashed a big smile when the crowd started chanting ‘Ali! Ali!’
