Look, having the most famous surname in boxing history sounds cool until you're 15 and just want to throw punches without everyone staring at you like you're some circus act.
I'm Nico Ali Walsh. Yeah, THAT Ali. Muhammad Ali was my grandfather – the guy everyone calls The Greatest, and honestly? They're not wrong. But here's the thing nobody talks about: when you're related to a legend, people expect you to either be exactly like them or they're waiting for you to crash and burn spectacularly.
The Family Business Nobody Wanted Me In
My parents – including my mom Rasheda, who's Ali's daughter – were absolutely not having it when I mentioned boxing. And I get it. My aunt Laila was already the champion boxer in the family, and they'd seen what this sport does to people. The brain damage. The politics. The vultures.
But at 14, I was obsessed. My grandfather actually helped me convince them, which still feels surreal thinking about it now. The deal was simple: I could box, but I had to hide who I really was.
So Nico Ali Walsh became just "Nico Walsh." Problem solved, right?
Wrong. So incredibly wrong.
When Iron Mike Accidentally Blew My Cover
The whole incognito thing lasted maybe three amateur fights. I'm talking to SunSport about this recently and I still feel stupid about thinking I could actually pull it off.
"Of course, I left out teh name," I told them. "Even back when I was 15 years old, my full name is Nico Ali Walsh, but I cut out the Ali. I said my name is Nico Walsh, but they found out somehow."
Somehow? Let me tell you exactly how.
Picture this: I'm at my third amateur fight here in Vegas. Small crowd, maybe 7 or 8 people total. Then Mike Tyson – THE Mike Tyson – texts my mom. Him and his wife Kiki are like, "Hey, we heard Nico's fighting. Mike wants to come."
So there I am, trying to be anonymous, and Iron Mike shows up to watch some random "Walsh" kid fight. He stayed for my bout, then left immediately after. You think people didn't notice that?
Everyone's Trying to Take My Head Off
Once the secret was out, everything changed. And I mean everything.
In sparring sessions, guys who don't even know me personally are coming at me like I owe them money. "Everyone who spars me is trying to knock me out," I explained. "And they do it in fights too, which fights are different. I don't care what you do in a fight, but in the gym, it gets ridiculous."
It's like being a ghost at a family reunion – you're there, but everyone's really just thinking about someone else.
I went pro in 2021 with Bob Arum, the same legendary promoter who staged some of my grandfather's most iconic fights. The symmetry wasn't lost on me, but the pressure? That hit different.
The $3 Million Mistake I'm Proud Of
Last year, Jake Paul's people offered me $3 million to fight him. Three. Million. Dollars.
I said no.
People think I'm crazy. My friends definitely think I'm crazy. But listen – "I feel like whenever people try to tell me, 'Nico, you should have done this or you should have done that.' No one can tell me what to do with the Ali name except for an Ali."
That YouTuber-turned-boxer thing? It's not what I want to be remembered for. I've got 15 pro fights under my belt now (12 wins, 2 losses, 1 no-contest), and yeah, I took a shock defeat to Juan Carlos Guerra Jr. last February that stung like hell.
But I bounced back with a win against Ebenezer Sowah in Guinea in May. Because that's what you do when your last name carries the weight mine does.
Living Up to Greatness (Or Trying Not To)
The weird thing about having a legendary grandfather is that everyone expects you to either be exactly like him or they're secretly hoping you'll fail spectacularly. There's no middle ground.
I can't be mad at other fighters who chase the Jake Paul money – they're getting paid millions to knock out someone way below their skill level. Makes perfect sense for them. But for me? "It would really be just tainting my legacy to be getting involved with something like that."
My grandfather died in 2016, but his shadow – in the best possible way – follows me everywhere. Sometimes I look at old photos of us together when I was little, him teaching me footwork in the ring, and I wonder what he'd think of all this circus.
Probably laugh at the whole Mike Tyson situation, honestly.
The Ali name isn't just mine to carry – it belongs to boxing history. And nobody outside my family will ever really understand what that weight feels like.
So yeah, I tried to make my own way by hiding who I was. Worked great until Iron Mike showed up and accidentally ruined everything.
Best mistake that ever happened to me.
Frequently Asked Questions
What diet should a beginning boxer follow to get the best results?
A beginner boxer should aim for a well-balanced diet consisting of carbohydrates for energy, lean proteins for muscle repair and growth, healthy fats for endurance, and ample fruits and vegetables for vitamins and minerals. Drinking plenty of water is important before, during and after your workouts.
How can I find the best size and type for my boxing gloves?
Size and type depend on weight, level of protection needed, and the activity that you are engaging in. Gloves are measured in ounces; beginners often start with 12oz or 14oz gloves for general training and move up to heavier gloves for sparring for added protection.
Can I start boxing at any age?
Boxing is a great sport for anyone of any age, provided they are healthy and their doctor has given them clearance. Boxing has a wide range of adaptability and can be customized for individuals at all fitness levels and ages.
How do I protect my self in boxing
In boxing, defense involves a variety of techniques. These include maintaining a solid defensive position with your hands raised, using footwork for distance and using head movements such as slips and rolls to avoid punches. As important as learning your offensive moves, it is also crucial to learn defensive skills.
What should I be looking for when selecting a gym to train in boxing?
When choosing a boxing studio, you should consider a welcoming atmosphere, experienced and approachable trainers, a variety classes suitable for various skill levels, quality gear, and positive testimonials or recommendations by current members. Trial sessions can help you to understand the training style and gym atmosphere.
Statistics
- Approximately 80% of boxing injuries occur during training, not in actual competition.
- An analysis of boxing workouts demonstrates that participants can maintain a heart rate at 75-85% of their maximum, which is the optimal range for cardiovascular training.
- On average, beginner boxers improve their punching power by 10%-20% after six months of consistent training.
- It is estimated that 60% of beginner boxers do not use the correct size gloves, which can increase the risk of injury.
- Boxing has one of the lowest rates of injury compared to other contact sports, with approximately 1.1 injuries per 1,000 minutes of athletics.
- On average, beginners who undergo proper boxing training can expect to burn anywhere from 300 to 500 calories per hour.
- Beginner boxers tend to make the mistake of holding their breath in 70% of cases during their initial training sessions.
- Around 90% of boxers suffer a minor injury over the course of a year, with only 10-15% experiencing a moderate to severe injury.
- Approximately 50% of beginner boxers drop out within the first six months, highlighting the importance of sustaining motivation and setting realistic goals.
- Research indicates that nearly 70% of punches thrown by boxers during a match are jabs.
External Links
How To
How to Eat Like a Boxer During Training
Nutrition is an essential part of training for boxing. A balanced diet rich with lean protein, complex carbohydrates and healthy fats will help you recover and give you energy. Stay hydrated during workouts by drinking water and, if necessary, beverages with electrolytes. Eating at the right time can affect performance. So eat carbs and proteins before and after training for fuel and to aid recovery.
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