The legacy of Muhammad Ali continues to write its latest chapter. And we’re not just talking about his grandson Nico Ali Walsh, the currently undefeated professional boxer who boasts an impressive record of 7-0 (five bouts by KO). Meet Biaggio Ali Walsh – the legendary heavyweight champion’s other grandson and recent Professional Fighters League (PFL) debutante.
Where his grandfather and brother chose to find glory in the ring, the 24-year-old former college football player and descendant of greatness decided he was better suited for the cage (fun fact: Muhammad Ali can actually be credited for participating in an early mixed martial arts event against Japanese wrestler Antonio Inoki). Although the start of his fight career hasn’t exactly been as near-flawless as Muhammad’s nor even Nico’s early days.
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You may recall headlines back in June reporting Biaggio Ali Walsh had been submitted via rear-naked choke during the second round of his amateur MMA debut with the Fusion Fight League – Rumble Under The Rims.
Since then, the lightweight representing Xtreme Couture MMA has bounced back, logging a decisive first-round TKO victory against Bradley Seaver during August’s CFC – Crown Fighting Championships: The Return, and now, his latest performance against one Tom Graesser at the PFL 2022 season championship card.
In the opening seconds of the aforementioned bout, Ali Walsh tested his range with a leg kick before following up with a savage left hook and right cross combination, immediately stunning Graesser. From that point forward, Ali Walsh dictated the terms every step of the way, essentially landing whatever tickled his fancy, and rearranging Graesser’s face in the process.
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As Graesser backed up against the PFL’s signature Smart Cage, Ali Walsh sealed the deal with yet another vicious right cross. Referee Keith Peterson stepped in the call it curtains right as Graesser hit the canvas. 46 seconds.
“The pressure, it’s going to be there, but I talked to myself a lot, I meditate, I visualise… I think I handled it pretty well, though,” said Biaggio Ali Walsh when prompted about the daunting prospect of living up to his family name.
“I wanted to [knock him out early on], but anything can happen in the fight. Whether it’s the first, second, or third round, it doesn’t matter, you know? I just wanted to get the win.”
At the time of this writing, Biaggio Ali Walsh has an amateur record of 2-1, and suffice it to say, we’ll be watching his career progression with great interest. As for his younger brother Nico Ali Walsh, after beating Billy Wagner via Unanimous Decision at last month’s Lomachenko vs Ortiz card, the up-and-coming middleweight has yet to announce his next bout.
Check out Biaggio Ali Walsh making quick work of Tom Graesser above.
