Nico Ali Walsh: Muhammad Ali’s grandson signs pro deal with Bob Arum

Muhammad Ali won boxing’s world heavyweight title on three occasions and his legendary status across sport saw him picked as BBC Sports Personality of the Century in 1999., external

The fighter known as ‘The Greatest’ died in 2016 and had been battling Parkinson’s syndrome for over three decades.

Arum, 89, heads up his Top Rank promotional outfit in the US and first promoted an Ali fight in 1966.

In his Las Vegas office hangs a picture of him with Muhammad Ali which both men have signed.

Arum’s message reads: “To Muhammad, the one who made it possible, with love.”

“Nico’s grandfather was a pretty good fighter,” said Arum.

“Who would have believed that so many years later, we’d be promoting the pro debut of his grandson?

“Hopefully, Nico will emulate his success. He’s a young man of great character, which one would expect from Muhammad Ali’s grandson.”

Ali Walsh has had around 30 amateur fights and has named SugarHill Steward – trainer of WBC world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury – as part of his fight night team.