Bob Arum promoted ‘The Greatest’ in his legendary boxing career and will now guide ‘the latest’ to punch for pay in the Ali family.
Nico Ali Walsh, the grandson of three-time heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali, will begin his professional journey with Top Rank on August 14.
Top Rank Chairman Arum told ESPN that cruiserweight Ali Walsh will debut on the Joshua Franco-Andrew Moloney III undercard in two months’ time. Muhammad Ali’s heavyweight title clash with the rugged George Chuvalo was the first headliner Arum promoted way back on March 29, 1966. “And so it’s a hell of a story. After all these years,” said the octogenarian promoter.
Ali Walsh later told ESPN that his grandfather would have wanted him to sign with Arum.
“I know for certain that my grandfather wouldn’t have wanted me with any other promoter aside from Bob Arum,” said the 200lbs prospect. “In the sport of boxing, as you’ve seen how Don King handled my grandfather and Mike Tyson, a lot of people can’t be trusted in boxing and Bob Arum is one of those people that is well-respected, not just in boxing but in business in general.
“He’s just one of those guys where he has a massive amount of respect. I’ve always wanted to be a part of Top Rank. [It’s] is the most tremendous blessing that I can imagine. So yeah, it’s just incredible.”
Ali Walsh had originally intended to turn pro in 2020 before the intervention of the Covid-19 Pandemic. He has trained with SugarHill Steward and, according to Arum, “he has a real talent”.