Nico Ali Walsh knows the comparisons with his legendary grandfather, Muhammad Ali, will be drawn regardless of the profession he adopts. However, he is slowly coming to terms with these comparisons.

The young athlete, who followed in his grandfather’s footsteps and picked up boxing gloves while growing up, is trying to prove his mantle in the ring. Despite his flawless professional record, it would be hard for him to emulate the success of Muhammad Ali. Ali, who became a global icon for his sporting as well as humanitarian efforts, carries a legacy that is hard to replicate in any sporting sphere. ‘The Legend Lives On’ understood the burden he carried on his shoulders when he ventured into a professional boxing career.

The American boxer opened up about the hardships that pop up coming from a sporting bloodline and the pressure it mounts on the athlete. As he was maturing in age and also building ring experience, the Chicago native believed he started to embrace the limelight his family name brought.

Running from the legacy of Muhammad Ali is not feasible for Walsh

The 22-year-old appeared in an interview with The Schmo and was presented with the hard question of whether he wanted to separate himself from that limelight.

The middleweight boxer, in response, admitted he was running from it for the longest time. However, it proved futile, as the process was impossible.

Thus, he said, “Ah man, I just started trying to embrace it. I’ve been running away from it for the longest time. But it’s literally impossible. If I became a painter, people would be comparing me to my grandfather. So there’s no running from it. So I’m trying to embrace it”

Earlier in the conversation, Walsh cited the case of his brother, Biaggio, who was going strong in PFL since his debut last year.

Walsh contends one can’t beat genetics

Walsh believed his brother and his own success in combat sports ran in their genes. Thus, he argued, “You know, you can’t make up genetics. That’s what it is. You can’t, you can’t beat genetics.”

Notably, Walsh has been on roll with his 8-win streak and boasts of an unblemished boxing record. He is coming off an impressive win against Eduardo Ayala in February 2023.

Read More: “You’ll Always Be Known as the Man Who Claimed to Want to Avenge His Brother but Was Too Scared to Do It”: Ksi Rips Into Jake Paul for Choosing Nate Diaz as His Next Opponent

What do you make of these statements by Nico Ali Walsh? Do you think the comparisons are a bit harsh on the young athlete? Let us know in the comments below.

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