Muhammed Ali built a legacy almost impossible to surpass. Then came his daughter, Laila Ali, and held the torch high. She retired in 2007, after crafting a remarkable career that saw her remain undefeated. Since then, another notable member of the Ali family making waves in the boxing world is her nephew, Nico Ali Walsh.

In an interview with Kenny Ducey for the EssentiallySports FanCast, he talked about Laila Ali’s influence on his career, harking back to the time when his aunt used to visit him during his amateur practices. In particular, he recalled a piece of advice that she gave him back then.

He said, “She was going to my amateur fights back in the day. Like she said the same thing that I’ve already said: ‘You get the best version of your opponent just because they’re facing an Ali.'” What they both share in common is the weight of Muhammad Ali’s legacy. “And, no one would be able to understand that, no normal boxer would be able to know what that feels like, but she was able to,” added the pugilist.

Though a younger Nico might have made sense of the statement, after his professional debut, he understood it much more viscerally. Referring to this on the EssentiallySports FanCast, Nico added, “So she said it back in the day—I felt it back then but I really feel it now because the professional fight is totally different than an amateur fight.” 

The prospect of defeating an Ali—be it Laila, Nico, or Biaggio—tends to bring out the best in their rivals, possibly because of the stakes and the notoriety. Fortunately for Nico Ali Walsh, he has an aunt who dominated the sport for the better part of a decade. However, the two do not have the closest of relationships.

“If you ever need anything…”: Laila Ali talks about Nico Ali Walsh’s career

During an appearance on The DAZN Boxing Show in February last year, Laila Ali shared her thoughts on Nico’s career. She said, “I think he’s doing really well, you know.” She was quick to add that she hasn’t helped him in any professional capacity.

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She noted, “Nico and I, obviously, I don’t have anything to do with his career. And, you know, frankly, we’re not super close. But, at the same time, I wish him well. And I’ve told him, ‘If you ever need anything, you let me know.'”

Coming from a family of boxers, Nico Ali Walsh has been blessed with the genes, but at the same time, he also has the burden of carrying the legacy forward. In the Exclusive Interview with EssentiallySports, Nico Ali candidly touched upon many topics, his aunt’s advice being one of them. Do you also believe that fighters tend to become more ruthless when facing an Ali in the ring? Tell us in the comments below.

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