The grandson of the late Muhammad Ali has vowed to take a firm stance in a bid to “protect” his fellow fighters in the ring.
Nico Ali Walsh, the grandson of the late, great former heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali, is himself emerging as a notable prospect in pro boxing, returning to winning ways back in May with a majority decision win for his twelfth career triumph.
And boasting the Louisville icon’s ring gear into his pro debut back in 2021, Ali has vowed to continue his grandfather’s legacy in the ring.
Namely, with the expected new changes to the boxing structure, Walsh has vowed to “protect” his fellow combatants in the ring in a bid to prevent the wholesale change in question.
Nico Ali Walsh rips the Muhammad Ali Act overhaul
Expected to push through a controversial overhaul to The Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act, TKO Boxing leader Ari Emanuel has suggested a much-debated reform to the historic act brought about in Ali’s name back in 2000.
Initially brought around to protect the rights and welfare of boxers, the act also aims to increase sportsmanship and integrity in the sport’s industry.
However, with the reform mooted heavily in recent weeks, Walsh has taken a firm stand on social media in a bid to prevent the sea change from taking effect.
“As an Ali, I’m completely against altering the Muhammad Ali Act. My grandfather fought for it to protect fighters from getting screwed over,” Nico Ali Walsh posted on X.
“Remove it, and promoters take control while fighters get paid less. Keep the act and protect the fighters who put their lives on the line.”
The controversy surrounding the Ali Revival Act
Set to head up TKO Boxing, UFC CEO Dana White has been backed by Saudi royal adviser Turki Alalshikh in recent months.
And dipping his toe into the boxing world for the first time later this year, White will promote the super middleweight title fight between Canelo Alvarez and the undefeated Terence Crawford, as soon as next month in Las Vegas.
But causing massive controversy, the Ali Revival Act has been accused of attempting to undercut the initial Reform Act established in 1999.
And with the recent lawsuits aimed at Zuffa LLC — who once backed the UFC, pointing to an alleged attempted monopolization of mixed martial arts, fans and critics are concerned if TKO Boxing will look to implement a similar approach in the boxing world now.