Honestly? I wasn't expecting much when I first heard about Nico Ali Walsh wanting to fight in the UK.
Another legacy fighter chasing his grandfather's shadow, right? But then I watched that absolute war between Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn at Tottenham, and something clicked. These nepo babies – and I mean that with all the love in the world – actually delivered something special. Something that reminded me why I fell in love with this sport back in 2019 when I was just another broke journalist covering local fights for $50 a piece.
When Your Grandad is Literally The Greatest
Picture this: you're 13 years old, your last name is Ali, and you want to box. Not exactly flying under teh radar, is it?
Nico told me something that stuck with me: "My grandfather was on board 100 per cent from the start, but I was trying to convince my parents to get on board." Can you imagine that conversation at the dinner table? "Hey mom, dad, I know grandpa got his brain scrambled for our entertainment, but hear me out..."
The kid actually tried keeping his surname secret as an amateur. For 30 fights! Then Mike Tyson – because of course it was Iron Mike – showed up to one of his bouts and blew his cover completely. Poor guy probably thought he was being clever, fighting under some alias, until the most recognizable voice in boxing starts yelling from ringside.
That Eubank-Benn Fight Changed Everything
Listen, I've seen a lot of fights that were supposed to be "legacy" matchups turn into absolute snoozefests. When Chris Jr and Conor stepped into that ring, I was prepared for disappointment.
Boy, was I wrong.
Twelve rounds of pure violence. The kind of fight that makes you remember why your girlfriend thinks you're crazy for staying up until 3 AM watching two guys beat the hell out of each other. Nico was watching too, and it lit something inside him.
"They put it on for all of us," he said, talking about kids who come from boxing families. "Not just boxing fans, but they put it on for the kids who come from legacy." There's something beautiful about that – this idea that these fights aren't just about individual glory, but about proving that the next generation can carry the torch without setting everything on fire.
The UK Dream (And Why Vegas Isn't Enough)
Here's where it gets interesting. Nico's 15 fights deep into his pro career – 12 wins, 2 losses, one no-contest. Not bad, but not exactly setting the world on fire either. He took a shocking loss to Juan Carlos Guerra Jr in February (I still think the judges were watching a different fight), then bounced back with a win in Guinea.
But when I asked him about fighting in the UK, his whole demeanor changed.
"Let me tell you something, if I fight in the UK, if I get told that I'm fighting in the UK, that would change my life." The kid's eyes lit up like he was talking about winning the lottery. "That's the one place on earth I've always wanted to fight. Seriously, London or anywhere in the UK."
Why British Fans Hit Different
Now, I've been to fights in Vegas. I've seen the spectacle, the celebrities, the $500 cocktails. It's impressive in that artificial, Instagram-ready way that makes you feel slightly empty inside.
But Nico gets it. "The boxing fans in the UK are better than anywhere on Earth. They're better than here in Vegas and Vegas is the capital of the world for boxing."
He's not wrong. British boxing crowds don't just watch fights – they participate in them. They create an atmosphere that can make a mediocre scrap feel like a war, and turn a real war into something transcendent. There's a reason fighters talk about the UK like it's some kind of boxing holy land.
The Weight of History
It's been 50 years since Muhammad Ali shocked the world in the Rumble in the Jungle. Fifty years since he proved that sometimes the most beautiful thing about fighting isn't the violence – it's the poetry.
Nico's fought in Africa twice now, following in those massive footsteps. But there's something about the UK that calls to him, the same way it called to his grandfather. Ali fought all over the world, including England, and now his grandson wants to do the same.
The question isn't whether Nico Ali Walsh deserves a shot in the UK. The question is whether he's ready to handle what comes with it. Because British boxing fans don't care about your last name – they care about your heart.
And after watching what Eubank Jr and Benn did to each other, maybe that's exactly what this kid needs to find out who he really is in that ring.
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I wrap my hand for boxing?
Hand wrapping is essential in boxing for protecting your wrists and hands from injury. Start by unwinding and wrapping the thumb around your thumb. Next, extend the wrap around the back your hand. Finally, circle your wrist several time. Wrap the Velcro around your wrist, crisscrossing your fingers and covering your knuckles.
What equipment do I need to start boxing?
Essential gear is required to start boxing. It will ensure your safety, and you'll get the most out of your training. Boxing gloves are essential, as well as hand wraps for protecting your wrists and fingers, a protective mouthguard and a headgear when sparring. Boxing shoes and athletic clothing that is comfortable are also recommended to improve movement and support.
Is sparring required for boxing beginners?
Beginners do not need to spar right away. This is only necessary once they have a good foundation of the basics and are in good physical condition. Under the guidance of a coach, and using protective equipment to ensure safety, it's important to spar.
Statistics
- On average, beginners who undergo proper boxing training can expect to burn anywhere from 300 to 500 calories per hour.
- Nearly 95% of boxing trainers agree that mental conditioning is just as important as physical training for beginners in the sport.
- Nearly 80% of boxing training injuries are related to incorrect technique, especially within the first three months of taking up the sport.
- About 25% of people who take up boxing transition to competitive amateur boxing within their first two years of training.
- Research indicates that nearly 70% of punches thrown by boxers during a match are jabs.
- Despite the stereotype that boxing is a young person's sport, approximately 20% of all beginners are over the age of 40.
- Around 90% of boxers suffer a minor injury over the course of a year, with only 10-15% experiencing a moderate to severe injury.
- On average, beginner boxers improve their punching power by 10%-20% after six months of consistent training.
- Beginner boxers tend to make the mistake of holding their breath in 70% of cases during their initial training sessions.
- 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.
External Links
How To
How to Eat Like A Boxer While Training
Nutrition is an essential part of training for boxing. Consume a balanced diet rich in lean proteins, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats to support recovery and provide energy. Water and electrolyte beverages can help you stay hydrated. The timing of meals can have a significant impact on performance. Aim to consume a mixture of carbs and protein before your workout to fuel you and afterward to support recovery.
Did you miss our previous article...
https://sportingexcitement.com/boxing/this-kid-wants-haneys-head-and-hes-got-one-week-to-prove-it
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