“I’d Like to See What He’d Be Like”: Muhammad Ali’s Grandson Names 2x Academy Award Winner Who Could Have Played Muhammad Ali in a Movie, Other Than Will Smith

Published 12/23/2023, 2:11 PM EST

In an awe-inspiring 2001 epic, Ali, directed by Michael Mann, Will Smith delivered a stellar performance portraying Muhammad Ali, eventually getting nominated for the Academy Award. Being the grandson of the iconic boxing legend, emerging mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter Biaggio Ali Walsh is best suited to judge who would be a good choice to play the boxer in a movie about his grandfather. In an Exclusive Interview with EssentiallySports, the MMA star spoke briefly about the film, especially the cast.

While answering a fan’s question about who he would want to watch play his grandfather on the big screen, Walsh did not hesitate before revealing his pick. He decided to go with the two-time Academy Award-winning actor Denzel Washington—not just for the sheer gravitas that he lends to the characters, but also for a lesser-known reason.

Denzel Washington’s connection with Michael Mann’s Ali

While speaking with Noah Lack, the host of the EssentiallySports FanCast, Biaggio Ali made his pick to replace Will Smith as the actor in the iconic film Ali. “I would say Denzel Washington, only ‘coz he was originally gonna play that role, but he turned it down. But I would say Denzel ‘coz I’d like to see what he’d be like,” he replied.

Noah Lack then revealed that Denzel Washington and Jamie Foxx were indeed the two other actors picked by fans for the poll. Incidentally, Jamie Foxx played Drew Bundini Brown, Ali’s assistant trainer, in the movie. As for playing the lead character, Denzel Washington, unfortunately, declined the offer, which then went to Smith. Later, Muhammad Ali shared his thoughts about Smith’s performance with Oprah Winfrey.

What did Muhammad Ali say about Will Smith’s performance in Ali?

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During an episode of The Oprah Show, a casual conversation unfolded between Smith and Ali regarding the movie. Oprah Winfrey, addressing Ali, inquired about Smith’s portrayal of Ali’s iconic moves in the film, prompting Ali to humorously respond, “He is not as dumb as he looks.”

The witty remark elicited laughter from everyone present on the set. Ali’s clever comment suggested his approval of Smith’s performance, indicating satisfaction with how Smith captured the essence of his character and lived up to the expectations set by Ali’s autobiography.

Grandson Biaggio Opens Up on the Real Pressure of Carrying Muhammad Ali’s Surname After Signing With PFL

Smith’s portrayal evidently mirrored the distinctive traits that defined Muhammad Ali. However, Washington’s portrayal would have brought a different flavor altogether. Do you think he would have done a better job? What do you think of Biaggio Ali Walsh’s Exclusive Interview with EssentiallySports? Tell us in the comments below.

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Written by:

The Greatest aka Muhammad Ali would always say, “We can’t be brave without fear.” I am a Boxing author at EssentiallySports and was first drawn to the boxing gym when a friend of mine came to meet me with her hand wraps still on. After arranging enough resources, I joined the gym and eventually tried my hand at MMA as well.

Edited by:

Gokul Pillai

“I’d Like to See What He’d Be Like”: Muhammad Ali’s Grandson Names 2x Academy Award Winner Who Could Have Played Muhammad Ali in a Movie, Other Than Will Smith

Denzel Washington’s connection with Michael Mann’s Ali

What did Muhammad Ali say about Will Smith’s performance in Ali?

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