When Muhammad Ali fought in Africa back in 1974, he had already sustained two losses, one to Joe Frazier and one to Ken Norton. Much of the boxing world had thought his boxing career was on its last legs. However, ‘The Greatest’ made a comeback nobody had imagined he could. Over 50 years later, his grandson, Nico Ali Walsh, was in a similar situation.

Before his fight against Ebenezer Sowah last night, he had suffered two losses at the hands of Sona Akale and Juan Carlos Guerra Jr. However, Sowah is no George Foreman, whom Ali defeated on the fateful night at Stade du 20 Mai, Kinshasa. Regardless, Walsh embodied the same spirit as his grandfather to overcome his last loss and beat Ebenezer Sowah via majority decision at the Centre de Conference de Sipopo in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea. 

Sowah was a tough challenge for Walsh, with a previously undefeated record of 7-0-1 (7 KOs). Before the fight, Walsh admitted he watched his grandfather knock out Foreman countless times. “That was on replay for the whole family growing up,” Walsh said. He also mentioned that he had more opportunities to watch that fight—and the accompanying documentary, ‘When We Were Kings with Ali himself’—than any other bout.

Perhaps that’s why Walsh chose to dedicate his win to George Foreman on social media. “ALHAMDULILLAH for my victory against an opponent who was 7-0 w/ 7 KOs‼️ My respect to you,” he began. “I want to dedicate this fight to the late great George Foreman. A warrior and a hero to many, including myself. He fought on these African grounds with my family 50 years ago. Rest easy Champ.”

Foreman passed away on March 21st earlier this year at the age of 76 in a hospital in Houston, Texas, surrounded by his loved ones. His family had announced the news of his passing on social media, but no specific reason was provided to the public. Nevertheless, this win proved what he said after his last loss.

Nico Ali Walsh was heartbroken but determined

On February 14, 2025, he suffered a surprising split decision loss to Juan Carlos Guerra Jr., a bout many expected him to dominate. Instead, the 24-year-old struggled, still recovering from a shoulder injury that hampered his performance. “I felt like I couldn’t pull the trigger on my left hand,” Walsh admitted in a post-fight interview with The Ring.

Despite the disappointment, he refused to make excuses. “I feel like I did enough but it’s not an excuse. It’s my fault.” The loss, his second in just under a year, drew sharp criticism from fans and even calls for him to leave the sport. But Walsh’s focus remained firm. “I don’t care about that stuff,” he said. “I’m just looking to get better.” 

The setback may have stung, but the grandson of Muhammad Ali came back stronger and defeated Sowah to make his comeback a success. 

That said, it appears Nico Ali Walsh decided to celebrate his comeback by dedicating it to George Foreman, who was once involved in the fight that defined Muhammad Ali’s comeback. What did you think of Walsh’s performance?