Nico Ali Walsh suffered a controversial split decision loss to Sona Akale, marking the first defeat for Muhammad Ali’s grandson in his professional boxing career. The 23-year-old had previously won all eight of his fights before a draw with Danny Rosenberger in May, which was later overturned due to a failed drugs test.
The fight between Ali Walsh and Akale was a back-and-forth contest, with fans expressing their discontent on social media, claiming that Ali Walsh had been robbed of at least a draw. Many Twitter users argued that Ali Walsh had won every round and deserved a better outcome.
Despite delivering a series of powerful uppercuts and hooks that wobbled Akale, it was the Cameroon-born fighter who managed to swing the contest in his favor by displaying relentless pressure throughout the match. This victory allowed Akale to bounce back from a TKO loss in his previous fight. In contrast, Ali Walsh was left frustrated and enraged by the decision.
Alongside Ali Walsh were his mother Rasheda Ali and his godfather Flavor Flav, a prominent figure in rap music known for his enthusiastic support. The trio has been traveling across the United States to provide support to both Nico and his brother Biaggio, who is pursuing a career in mixed martial arts as an amateur in the Professional Fighters League (PFL).
The event took place as part of the undercard for Jared Anderson’s impressive win over Andriy Rudenko. Anderson dominated the fight from beginning to end, eventually forcing the referee to stop the bout in the fifth round due to a series of unanswered shots.
This latest defeat adds to a series of unusual events for Nico Ali Walsh, following his previous draw in Las Vegas on the undercard of the Devin Haney and Vasyl Lomachenko fight in May. In that instance, Rosenberger tested positive for drugs, leading to a suspension and the overturned result, allowing Ali Walsh to maintain his perfect 8-0 record before his recent matchup in Tulsa.
The boxing world now reflects on whether Ali Walsh truly did enough to secure a victory that night. The controversial decision has sparked debate among fans, with opinions varying on who should have been declared the winner. Despite the defeat, Ali Walsh’s career as a professional boxer is far from over, and he will undoubtedly seek to bounce back stronger in his future matches.
In the world of boxing, unexpected outcomes and controversial decisions are bound to occur. For Nico Ali Walsh, the journey continues as he looks ahead to the next chapter of his promising career. With the unwavering support of his mother, godfather, and fans worldwide, he will undoubtedly strive to reclaim victory and make his own mark in the sport his legendary grandfather once dominated.
