Middleweight contender Nico Ali Walsh, the grandson of boxing legend Muhammad Ali, is not looking to make money from the crossover boxing scene.
Last year, Ali Walsh (9-1, 5 KOs) suffered his first career defeat when he dropped a majority decision to Sona Akale.
Less than a month ago, he bounced back with a split decision win over Noel Lafargue at the Palais Du Peuple in Conakry, Guinea.
Ali Walsh wants to make a name for himself in the correct manner, by honoring his grandfather’s legacy with a legitimate run.
He realizes that his famous family name could make him a bundle of money in crossover boxing, but that’s not what motivates the 23-year-old.
“I have so much respect for this legacy, it’s bigger than me. I can’t be selfish with it because a lot of people care for it. Just going to Africa and seeing so many people chant, ‘Ali’ just for the love and respect they have for my grandfather was crazy,” Ali Walsh told The Sun.
“So, this legacy is bigger than me. I can’t be greedy and be like, ‘I’m going to do a money-grab and start fighting YouTubers.’ That’s insane, I didn’t get into boxing for the money. I think the money will come in time and I love what I’m doing right now, taking the long road. I want to be champ one day, I want to get to that undisputed level and you can’t do that fighting YouTubers.”
Ali Walsh could certainly make a boatload of money in a crossover fight with social media star Jake Paul (9-1, 5 KOs), who himself is looking to face more pro boxers after building up his record with victories over MMA veterans.
Last month, Paul blew away little-known 10-1-1 Andre August in the first round. He is slated to return on March 2 in Puerto Rico, against another pro boxer, as part of Amanda Serrano’s homecoming card.
“I give him a ton of respect. His last fight he fought a legitimate boxer, a no-name boxer and I heard he did well. That’s what it’s going to take to get to contender status, to get to champ status, to get to a title fight,” Ali Walsh told The Sun.
“It’s going to take fighting someone that nobody knows about, not making any money from it. Just building your resume and then just fighting for millions one day.”