Photo: Alejandro Salazar (Getty Images)
The internet had a lot to say about the engaging matchup between boxing legend Mike Tyson and YouTuber Jake Paul, but there was one voice in particular that stood out among the masses.
Big George Foreman Star, Khris Davis, Talks Boxing & Playing the Champ, Atlanta, & More
Nico Ali Walsh, the grandson of boxer and activist Muhammad Ali aka “The Greatest,” is an up and coming boxer himself. He made his professional debut in 2021 while wearing his grandfather’s shorts. So while carrying the Ali last name and legacy, the 24-year-old boxer had robust words for Paul after the Friday (Nov. 15) fight.
“Jake Paul is an embarrassment to this sport,” Walsh wrote on X. “If my grandfather was still around, he’d call him out. Absolutely no shame,” he continued, not holding his tongue.
This isn’t first time Walsh called Paul out on his “negative” impact on the sport. Walsh spoke with NewsNation, saying he and Paul are not fighting in the same sport. “He’s fighting for headlines, and I’m fighting for my bloodline,” Walsh said.
Ali is regarded as the greatest boxer to ever step inside the ring. The three-time heavyweight champ was the first to ever set the record, and with 37 career knockouts, it’s not surprising why his grandson is not only proud but also protective of the sport his grandfather dominated for so long.
Walsh closed out the tweet with a miniature but sweet message to Tyson: “Love you Mike🙏🏼.” He’s clearly protective over the 58-year-old retired boxer, but the Tyson-Ali relationship goes back decades to early in Tyson’s professional career. After Ali viciously loss to Larry Holmes, Tyson knocked out Holmes in their own fight in 1980, avenging Ali and propelling his career forward.
Forty year later, Tyson has seemingly maintained a special relationship with the Ali’s. Once, Tyson even invited Walsh to his pigeon coop… and we all know how Tyson feels about his pigeons.
Despite the huge differences in weight class, Paul has expressed interest in wanting to face Walsh inside the ring. Walsh’s current record shows he has 11-1 winning record. Paul, interestingly enough, has the same boxing record.
