Biaggio Ali Walsh, the grandson of Muhammad Ali, is taking his own path into mixed martial arts.
Biaggio Ali Walsh was in a dark place only a few years ago. Drinking, drugs and depression were leading him down a dangerous path. And then he found a purpose in the family business, combat sports.
Ali Walsh is the grandson of boxing Hall of Famer Muhammad Ali.
His aunt, Laila Ali, also built a Hall of Fame boxing career. His brother, Nico, is a professional boxer. And now it’s his turn, although he decided to go into mixed martial arts, not the sport of his famous grandfather.
Still, the late, great heavyweight champion serves as a primary source of inspiration for Ali Walsh, who recently signed an amateur contract with the Professional Fighters League and will fight on the PFL World Championship card Nov. 25 in New York (ESPN+ Pay-Per-View).
“He’s been an inspirational figure since I was a kid,” he told Boxing Junkie. “… It was weird when I would visit him. On one hand it was like, ‘OK, this is my grandfather.” On the other hand he was an icon. He was someone I looked up to, someone the world looked up to.
“He’s just always been an influential part of my life.”
Biaggio Ali Walsh got off to a late start but is confident he can succeed in mixed martial arts.
Ali Walsh carved out his own path in sports. Quick on his feet and physically strong, his passion was football. He was a star running back at Bishop Gorman High school in his hometown of Las Vegas and then played at the University of California and UNLV.
However, when his career ended, he had no idea what might come next. That’s when he “got lost,” as he put it.
Then he made a fateful decision: He enrolled at Xtreme Couture MMA in Las Vegas, a mixed martial arts school founded by Randy Couture. Ali Walsh’s intention was to stay in shape but he soon found a home in the sport, to which he’s now devoted.
Why not boxing? He gravitated to MMA in good part because of the variety of disciplines required to succeed, which he has always found fascinating.
“I went there just to train a little bit,” he said. “The more and more I went I slowly fell in the love with it. I said to myself, ‘Why not?’ I’m still young, I still have a chance.’ I don’t want to be 35, 40 years old and wonder whether I could’ve been a good fighter.
“So I dived into the world of MMA.”
Ali Walsh, 24, had no experience other than occasional street fights. When you’re name is Ali, he said, some people are compelled to pick fights with you. “I’d whoop ass,” he said with a laugh.
The MMA world was a different story, though. He was starting late and the learning curve was steep, which he knew would make the endeavor a daunting challenge. He even Googled, “Is it too late to start MMA at 21?”
Well, Ali Walsh (1-1 in his first two amateur fights) doesn’t believe he started too late. He works full time with coach Dennis Davis and believes he gets better every day.
“I’m going balls to the wall,” he said. “… Randy Couture started MMA when he was 34. I know this is different but it’s not impossible. If you have the will, you can get the skill. I’m just taking it a step at a time.
“I want to get as much experience as possible and just leave it up to my coach when he thinks I’m ready to turn pro.”
What about the pressure that comes with being the grandson of a legend?
That will always hover over him but he’s used to it, having lived with the expectations since he first took up sports as a child. At the same time he now feels mixed martial arts is what he was born to do, his destiny. There is strength in that.
Biaggio Ali Walsh, the grandson of Muhammad Ali, is taking his own path into mixed martial arts.
Biaggio Ali Walsh was in a dark place only a few years ago. Drinking, drugs and depression were leading him down a dangerous path. And then he found a purpose in the family business, combat sports.
Ali Walsh is the grandson of boxing Hall of Famer Muhammad Ali.
His aunt, Laila Ali, also built a Hall of Fame boxing career. His brother, Nico, is a professional boxer. And now it’s his turn, although he decided to go into mixed martial arts, not the sport of his famous grandfather.
Still, the late, great heavyweight champion serves as a primary source of inspiration for Ali Walsh, who recently signed an amateur contract with the Professional Fighters League and will fight on the PFL World Championship card Nov. 25 in New York (ESPN+ Pay-Per-View).
“He’s been an inspirational figure since I was a kid,” he told Boxing Junkie. “… It was weird when I would visit him. On one hand it was like, ‘OK, this is my grandfather.” On the other hand he was an icon. He was someone I looked up to, someone the world looked up to.
“He’s just always been an influential part of my life.”
Biaggio Ali Walsh got off to a late start but is confident he can succeed in mixed martial arts.
Ali Walsh carved out his own path in sports. Quick on his feet and physically strong, his passion was football. He was a star running back at Bishop Gorman High school in his hometown of Las Vegas and then played at the University of California and UNLV.
However, when his career ended, he had no idea what might come next. That’s when he “got lost,” as he put it.
Then he made a fateful decision: He enrolled at Xtreme Couture MMA in Las Vegas, a mixed martial arts school founded by Randy Couture. Ali Walsh’s intention was to stay in shape but he soon found a home in the sport, to which he’s now devoted.
Why not boxing? He gravitated to MMA in good part because of the variety of disciplines required to succeed, which he has always found fascinating.
“I went there just to train a little bit,” he said. “The more and more I went I slowly fell in the love with it. I said to myself, ‘Why not?’ I’m still young, I still have a chance.’ I don’t want to be 35, 40 years old and wonder whether I could’ve been a good fighter.
“So I dived into the world of MMA.”
Ali Walsh, 24, had no experience other than occasional street fights. When you’re name is Ali, he said, some people are compelled to pick fights with you. “I’d whoop ass,” he said with a laugh.
The MMA world was a different story, though. He was starting late and the learning curve was steep, which he knew would make the endeavor a daunting challenge. He even Googled, “Is it too late to start MMA at 21?”
Well, Ali Walsh (1-1 in his first two amateur fights) doesn’t believe he started too late. He works full time with coach Dennis Davis and believes he gets better every day.
“I’m going balls to the wall,” he said. “… Randy Couture started MMA when he was 34. I know this is different but it’s not impossible. If you have the will, you can get the skill. I’m just taking it a step at a time.
“I want to get as much experience as possible and just leave it up to my coach when he thinks I’m ready to turn pro.”
What about the pressure that comes with being the grandson of a legend?
That will always hover over him but he’s used to it, having lived with the expectations since he first took up sports as a child. At the same time he now feels mixed martial arts is what he was born to do, his destiny. There is strength in that.
Boxing Hall of Fame: Guide to three-class 2022 induction weekend.
Two canceled induction weekends have made this year’s International Boxing Hall of Fame celebration in Canastota, New York, an embarrassment of riches.
The IBHOF will welcome three classes of all-time great boxers into its fold as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, which finally subsided enough to allow for a supersized event this weekend. Those elected will be formally inducted on Sunday.
Roy Jones Jr., Floyd Mayweather and Bernard Hopkins top the deep list of men who will enter the Hall in the modern category.
And those being inducted will also include the first class of women boxers, including Christy Martin and Lucia Rijker in the modern classification.
Here is a list of the inductees (in alphabetical order), with commentary for each one.
CLASS OF 2020
MEN
Bernard Hopkins (pictured at right during is victory over Karo Murat) was a first-ballot inductee. AP Photo / Tim Larsen
BERNARD HOPKINS
Record: 55-8-2, 32 KOs Active: 1988-2016 Key victories: Glen Johnson, Simon Brown, Antwun Echols (twice), Keith Holmes, Felix Trinidad, William Joppy, Oscar De La Hoya, Antonio Tarver, Kelly Pavlik, Roy Jones Jr., Jean Pascal, Tavoris Cloud, Beibut Shumenov Titles: Middleweight (1995-2005), light heavyweight (2011-14) Background: BeHop wasn’t super athletic or powerful. He was merely an enduring boxing wizard, which ultimately earned him reverence as one of the greatest ever in the sport. He set the middleweight record for successful title defenses, 20, which alone would’ve been enough to earn him a place in the Hall. He then became the oldest to ever win a major title when, at 48, he outpointed Tavoris Cloud to win a light heavyweight title.
JUAN MANUEL MARQUEZ
Record: 56-7-1, 40 KOs Active: 1993-2014 Key victories: Derrick Gainer, Orlando Salido, Marco Antonio Barrera, Joel Casamayor, Juan Diaz (twice), Manny Pacquiao Titles: Featherweight 2003-05, 2006-07; junior lightweight 2007-08; lightweight 2009-12, 2012-13 Background: Marquez started as one third of the great Mexican trio that included Erik Morales and Marco Antonio Barrera but he ended up surpassing his countrymen. The master counterpuncher is best known for his four-fight series with Manny Pacquiao, in which he went 1-2-1. Some believe he deserved to win all four fights. And he claimed the most-dramatic victory of the series, a one-punch knockout that stunned the boxing world in 2012. He was still a world class fighter past 40.
SHANE MOSLEY
Record: 49-10-1, 41 KOs Active: 1993-2016 Key victories: Phillip Holiday, John John Molina, Oscar De La Hoya (twice), James Leija, Wilfredo Rivera, Fernando Vargas (twice), Ricardo Mayorga (twice), Antonio Margarito Titles: Lightweight (1997-99); welterweight (2000-02, 2009-10); junior middleweight (2003-04) Background: Sugar Shane, quick and explosive, made his biggest mark at welterweight and heavier but he might’ve been at his best at lightweight, at which he was 32-0 (30 KOs). However, he became a star when he jumped to welterweight and in 2000 outpointed Los Angeles rival Oscar De La Hoya in their first of two fights. He would remain a major figure in the sport for the next decade-plus.
WOMEN
Christy Martin (at left fighting Dakota Stone) appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated. Jeff Gross / Getty Images
CHRISTY MARTIN
Record: 49-7-3, 32 KOs Active: 1989-2012 Key victories: Deirdre Gogarty, Mia St. John, Dakota Stone Titles: Junior middleweight (2009-10) Background: Martin was a creation of promoter Don King, who had her fight repeatedly on the undercard of Mike Tyson fights. And she became popular, culminating with her appearance on the cover of Sports Illustrated. “The Coal Miner’s Daughter” also was a natural warrior who improved as a boxer as her career progressed. Her biggest fight came in 2003, when she was stopped by Laila Ali. Martin won the 154-pound title when she outpointed Dakota Stone in 2009 at 41.
LUCIA RIJKER
Record: 17-0, 14 KOs Active: 1996-2004 Key victories: Chevelle Hallback, Andrea DeShong, Jane Couch Titles: Junior welterweight (1997, 1998) Background: Some of those familiar with Rijker, who trained under Joe Goossen, Freddie Roach and Emanuel Steward, believe she’s the greatest female boxer of all-time. The accomplished martial artist from the Netherlands sparred regularly with elite male boxers, who respected her all-around ability. She largely flew under the radar because she wasn’t showcased like Christy Martin, Mia St. John and Laila Ali were. She enjoyed her greatest fame as an actress in the film “Million Dollar Baby.”
CLASS OF 2021
MEN
Wladimir Klitschko was the dominant heavyweight of his era. Alexander Koerner / Getty Images
WLADIMIR KLITSCHKO
Record: 64-5, 53 KOs Active: 1996-2017 Key victories: Chris Byrd (twice), Ray Mercer, Samuel Peter (twice), Hasim Rahman, David Haye, Alexander Povetkin Titles: Heavyweight (2000-03, 2006-15) Background: Dr. Steelhammer was the most-accomplished heavyweight of his era, reigning as the No. 1 big man for more than a decade largely as a result of his jab and lethal right hand. He had some slip-ups early in his career but rebounded to surpass Joe Louis and Larry Holmes as the longest-reigning heavyweight champions, serving as champion for 12 years when you combine his two reigns. His only true rival in his prime was his brother, Hall of Famer Vitali Klitschko.
FLOYD MAYWEATHER
Record: 50-0, 27 KOs Active: 1996-2017 Key victories: Genaro Hernandez, Diego Corrales, Jose Luis Castillo (twice), Arturo Gatti, Zab Judah, Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton, Juan Manuel Marquez, Shane Mosley, Miguel Cotto, Canelo Alvarez, Manny Pacquiao Titles: Junior lightweight (1998-2002); lightweight (2002-04); junior welterweight (2005-06); welterweight (2006, 2006-08; 2014-16); junior middleweight (2007, 2012-16) Background: Mayweather was polarizing outside the ring but as consistent as anyone in history inside it. His sublime skills combined with his work ethic – he was ready to fight every time he stopped into the ring – made him largely untouchable during his career, which culminated in a convincing victory over rival Manny Pacquaio in a record-breaking pay-per-view fight in 2015. Some people (including Mayweather) would argue that he’s the greatest fighter of all time. “Money” also earned far more than any other fighter, reportedly $800 million in the ring alone.
ANDRE WARD
Record: 32-0, 16 KOs Active: 2004-17 Key victories: Edison Miranda, Mikkel Kessler, Allan Green, Sakio Bika, Arthur Abraham, Carl Froch, Chad Dawson, Sergey Kovalev (twice) Titles: Super middleweight (2009-15), light heavyweight (2016-17) Background: The last American man to win a gold medal wasn’t flashy or particularly powerful but few have had his level of skill and ring acumen. He burst upon the professional scene in the Super Six World Boxing Classic, in which the then-young fighter defeated Mikkel Kessler, Allan Green, Arthur Abraham and Carl Froch to win the tournament title and establish himself as a star. Sergey Kovalev gave him his toughest fight but was knocked out in their rematch.
WOMEN
Laila Ali had more than just a big name. Lefty Shivambu / Gallo Images
LAILA ALI
Record: 24-0, 21 KOs Active: 1999-2007 Key victories: Jacqui Frazier-Lyde, Suzette Taylor, Valerie Mahfood (twice), Gwendolyn O’Neil, Erin Toughill, Christy Martin Titles: Super middleweight (2002-07), Background: Ali, the daughter of Muhammad Ali, had the advantage of her last name but it turned out that she had both ability and punching power. She made a splash by defeating the daughter of her father’s rival, Jacqui Frazier-Lyde, in 2001 but had many more quality victories. Her highest-profile fight came in 2003, when she stopped overmatched Christy Martin in four rounds.
ANN WOLFE
Record: 24-1, 16 KOs Active: 1998-2006 Key victories: Dakota Stone, Mary Ann Almager, Vienna Williams, Gina Nicholas, Marsha Valley, Valerie Mahfood, Vonda Ward Titles: Junior middleweight (1995-2002), light heavyweight (2004) Background: Wolfe was a skillful, powerfully built fighter known for her dedication in the gym. Her one-punch, first-round knockout of 6-foot-6 Vonda Ward in 2004 went viral on YouTube but she destroyed many other opponents too. She went on to become a trainer, most notably working with James Kirkland.
CLASS OF 2022
MEN
Roy Jones Jr (at left fighting Glen Kelly) was a monster in his prime. Eliot Schechter / Getty Images
MIGUEL COTTO
Record: 41-6, 33 KOs Active: 2001-17 Key victories: Randall Bailey, Demarcus Corley, Paulie Malignaggi, Carlos Quintana, Zab Judah, Shane Mosley, Joshua Clottey, Ricardo Mayorga, Antonio Margarito, Sergio Martinez Titles: Junior welterweight (2004-06); welterweight (2006-08, 2009); junior middleweight (2010-12, 2017); middleweight (2014-15) Background: Cotto was one of greatest Puerto Rican stars of all time, using his combination of ability and professionalism to fight at the highest level of the sport for a decade and a half. The four-division titleholder was never afraid to fight the best possible opponents. And while he didn’t always win his biggest fights – for example, he lost to Manny Pacquiao, Floyd Mayweather and Canelo Alvarez – he always gave a good account of himself.
ROY JONES JR.
Record: 66-9, 47 KOs Active: 1989-2018 Key victories: Bernard Hopkins, Thomas Tate, James Toney, Mike McCallum, Montell Griffin, Virgil Hill, John Ruiz, Antonio Tarver, Felix Trinidad Titles: Middleweight (1993-94); super middleweight (1994-96); light heavyweight (1997, 1997-2003, 2003-04); heavyweight (2003-04) Background: When Jones was at his best, no one on this list could touch him. His combination of speed, athleticism and crushing power – as well as the ability to use them to destroy opponents – was something to behold from middleweight all the way up to heavyweight. The fact he defeated two fellow inductees (Hopkins and Toney) on Sunday says a lot about him. He made history by outpointing John Ruiz to win a heavyweight title but was never the same after gaining and then losing weight to move back down to 175 pounds.
JAMES TONEY
Record: 77-10-3, 47 KOs Active: 1988-2017 Key victories: Merqui Sosa, Michael Nunn, Reggie Johnson, Mike McCallum (twice), Iran Barkley, Tim Littles, Charles Williams, Vassiliy Jirov, Evander Holyfield Titles: Middleweight (1991-93); super middleweight (1993-94); cruiserweight (2003) Background: Toney was as gifted as anyone who will enter the Hall on Sunday. He was a born boxer, with once-in-a-generation instincts, but he didn’t have the discipline between fights to realize his full potential. As it was, he was one of the best of his era. He made a splash by stopping unbeaten Michael Nunn to win a middleweight title in 1991 and fought at an elite level for another 20 years.
WOMEN
Holly Holm was a star in both boxing and MMA. Justin Edmonds / Getty Images
REGINA HALMICH
Record: 54-1-1, 16 KOs Active: 1994-2007 Key victories: Jill Matthews, Hollie Dunaway, Elena Reid, Kim Messer, Delia Gonzalez Titles: Flyweight (1995-2007); junior bantamweight (1998-99, 2004), junior flyweight (1996-2007) Background: The former kickboxer from Germany ventured outside Europe only once – losing to Yvonne Trevino in 1995 in the U.S. – but she was dominating on her native continent. She had two reigns as flyweight champion, with an incredible 28 total successful defenses. She was a major figure in her home country.
HOLLY HOLM
Record: 33-2-3, 9 KOs Active: 2002-13 Key victories: Christy Martin, Anne Sophie Mathis, Diana Prazak, Mary Jo Sanders, Jane Couch, Chevelle Hallback, Mia St. John, Jaime Clampitt Titles: Junior welterweight (2004-06, 2010, 2012-13); welterweight (2006-09, 2012): junior middleweight (2006-08) Background: Holm became a hometown favorite in her native Albuquerque, New Mexico, where she fought the majority of her bouts. The former kickboxer, who had excellent boxing skills, won a reported 14 titles in three divisions. She went on to compete in mixed martial arts, in which she knocked out UFC star Ronda Rousey in a significant upset.
Boxing Hall of Fame: Guide to three-class 2022 induction weekend.
Two canceled induction weekends have made this year’s International Boxing Hall of Fame celebration in Canastota, New York, an embarrassment of riches.
The IBHOF will welcome three classes of all-time great boxers into its fold as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, which finally subsided enough to allow for a supersized event this weekend. Those elected will be formally inducted on Sunday.
Roy Jones Jr., Floyd Mayweather and Bernard Hopkins top the deep list of men who will enter the Hall in the modern category.
And those being inducted will also include the first class of women boxers, including Christy Martin and Lucia Rijker in the modern classification.
Here is a list of the inductees (in alphabetical order), with commentary for each one.
CLASS OF 2020
MEN
Bernard Hopkins (pictured at right during is victory over Karo Murat) was a first-ballot inductee. AP Photo / Tim Larsen
BERNARD HOPKINS
Record: 55-8-2, 32 KOs Active: 1988-2016 Key victories: Glen Johnson, Simon Brown, Antwun Echols (twice), Keith Holmes, Felix Trinidad, William Joppy, Oscar De La Hoya, Antonio Tarver, Kelly Pavlik, Roy Jones Jr., Jean Pascal, Tavoris Cloud, Beibut Shumenov Titles: Middleweight (1995-2005), light heavyweight (2011-14) Background: BeHop wasn’t super athletic or powerful. He was merely an enduring boxing wizard, which ultimately earned him reverence as one of the greatest ever in the sport. He set the middleweight record for successful title defenses, 20, which alone would’ve been enough to earn him a place in the Hall. He then became the oldest to ever win a major title when, at 48, he outpointed Tavoris Cloud to win a light heavyweight title.
JUAN MANUEL MARQUEZ
Record: 56-7-1, 40 KOs Active: 1993-2014 Key victories: Derrick Gainer, Orlando Salido, Marco Antonio Barrera, Joel Casamayor, Juan Diaz (twice), Manny Pacquiao Titles: Featherweight 2003-05, 2006-07; junior lightweight 2007-08; lightweight 2009-12, 2012-13 Background: Marquez started as one third of the great Mexican trio that included Erik Morales and Marco Antonio Barrera but he ended up surpassing his countrymen. The master counterpuncher is best known for his four-fight series with Manny Pacquiao, in which he went 1-2-1. Some believe he deserved to win all four fights. And he claimed the most-dramatic victory of the series, a one-punch knockout that stunned the boxing world in 2012. He was still a world class fighter past 40.
SHANE MOSLEY
Record: 49-10-1, 41 KOs Active: 1993-2016 Key victories: Phillip Holiday, John John Molina, Oscar De La Hoya (twice), James Leija, Wilfredo Rivera, Fernando Vargas (twice), Ricardo Mayorga (twice), Antonio Margarito Titles: Lightweight (1997-99); welterweight (2000-02, 2009-10); junior middleweight (2003-04) Background: Sugar Shane, quick and explosive, made his biggest mark at welterweight and heavier but he might’ve been at his best at lightweight, at which he was 32-0 (30 KOs). However, he became a star when he jumped to welterweight and in 2000 outpointed Los Angeles rival Oscar De La Hoya in their first of two fights. He would remain a major figure in the sport for the next decade-plus.
WOMEN
Christy Martin (at left fighting Dakota Stone) appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated. Jeff Gross / Getty Images
CHRISTY MARTIN
Record: 49-7-3, 32 KOs Active: 1989-2012 Key victories: Deirdre Gogarty, Mia St. John, Dakota Stone Titles: Junior middleweight (2009-10) Background: Martin was a creation of promoter Don King, who had her fight repeatedly on the undercard of Mike Tyson fights. And she became popular, culminating with her appearance on the cover of Sports Illustrated. “The Coal Miner’s Daughter” also was a natural warrior who improved as a boxer as her career progressed. Her biggest fight came in 2003, when she was stopped by Laila Ali. Martin won the 154-pound title when she outpointed Dakota Stone in 2009 at 41.
LUCIA RIJKER
Record: 17-0, 14 KOs Active: 1996-2004 Key victories: Chevelle Hallback, Andrea DeShong, Jane Couch Titles: Junior welterweight (1997, 1998) Background: Some of those familiar with Rijker, who trained under Joe Goossen, Freddie Roach and Emanuel Steward, believe she’s the greatest female boxer of all-time. The accomplished martial artist from the Netherlands sparred regularly with elite male boxers, who respected her all-around ability. She largely flew under the radar because she wasn’t showcased like Christy Martin, Mia St. John and Laila Ali were. She enjoyed her greatest fame as an actress in the film “Million Dollar Baby.”
CLASS OF 2021
MEN
Wladimir Klitschko was the dominant heavyweight of his era. Alexander Koerner / Getty Images
WLADIMIR KLITSCHKO
Record: 64-5, 53 KOs Active: 1996-2017 Key victories: Chris Byrd (twice), Ray Mercer, Samuel Peter (twice), Hasim Rahman, David Haye, Alexander Povetkin Titles: Heavyweight (2000-03, 2006-15) Background: Dr. Steelhammer was the most-accomplished heavyweight of his era, reigning as the No. 1 big man for more than a decade largely as a result of his jab and lethal right hand. He had some slip-ups early in his career but rebounded to surpass Joe Louis and Larry Holmes as the longest-reigning heavyweight champions, serving as champion for 12 years when you combine his two reigns. His only true rival in his prime was his brother, Hall of Famer Vitali Klitschko.
FLOYD MAYWEATHER
Record: 50-0, 27 KOs Active: 1996-2017 Key victories: Genaro Hernandez, Diego Corrales, Jose Luis Castillo (twice), Arturo Gatti, Zab Judah, Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton, Juan Manuel Marquez, Shane Mosley, Miguel Cotto, Canelo Alvarez, Manny Pacquiao Titles: Junior lightweight (1998-2002); lightweight (2002-04); junior welterweight (2005-06); welterweight (2006, 2006-08; 2014-16); junior middleweight (2007, 2012-16) Background: Mayweather was polarizing outside the ring but as consistent as anyone in history inside it. His sublime skills combined with his work ethic – he was ready to fight every time he stopped into the ring – made him largely untouchable during his career, which culminated in a convincing victory over rival Manny Pacquaio in a record-breaking pay-per-view fight in 2015. Some people (including Mayweather) would argue that he’s the greatest fighter of all time. “Money” also earned far more than any other fighter, reportedly $800 million in the ring alone.
ANDRE WARD
Record: 32-0, 16 KOs Active: 2004-17 Key victories: Edison Miranda, Mikkel Kessler, Allan Green, Sakio Bika, Arthur Abraham, Carl Froch, Chad Dawson, Sergey Kovalev (twice) Titles: Super middleweight (2009-15), light heavyweight (2016-17) Background: The last American man to win a gold medal wasn’t flashy or particularly powerful but few have had his level of skill and ring acumen. He burst upon the professional scene in the Super Six World Boxing Classic, in which the then-young fighter defeated Mikkel Kessler, Allan Green, Arthur Abraham and Carl Froch to win the tournament title and establish himself as a star. Sergey Kovalev gave him his toughest fight but was knocked out in their rematch.
WOMEN
Laila Ali had more than just a big name. Lefty Shivambu / Gallo Images
LAILA ALI
Record: 24-0, 21 KOs Active: 1999-2007 Key victories: Jacqui Frazier-Lyde, Suzette Taylor, Valerie Mahfood (twice), Gwendolyn O’Neil, Erin Toughill, Christy Martin Titles: Super middleweight (2002-07), Background: Ali, the daughter of Muhammad Ali, had the advantage of her last name but it turned out that she had both ability and punching power. She made a splash by defeating the daughter of her father’s rival, Jacqui Frazier-Lyde, in 2001 but had many more quality victories. Her highest-profile fight came in 2003, when she stopped overmatched Christy Martin in four rounds.
ANN WOLFE
Record: 24-1, 16 KOs Active: 1998-2006 Key victories: Dakota Stone, Mary Ann Almager, Vienna Williams, Gina Nicholas, Marsha Valley, Valerie Mahfood, Vonda Ward Titles: Junior middleweight (1995-2002), light heavyweight (2004) Background: Wolfe was a skillful, powerfully built fighter known for her dedication in the gym. Her one-punch, first-round knockout of 6-foot-6 Vonda Ward in 2004 went viral on YouTube but she destroyed many other opponents too. She went on to become a trainer, most notably working with James Kirkland.
CLASS OF 2022
MEN
Roy Jones Jr (at left fighting Glen Kelly) was a monster in his prime. Eliot Schechter / Getty Images
MIGUEL COTTO
Record: 41-6, 33 KOs Active: 2001-17 Key victories: Randall Bailey, Demarcus Corley, Paulie Malignaggi, Carlos Quintana, Zab Judah, Shane Mosley, Joshua Clottey, Ricardo Mayorga, Antonio Margarito, Sergio Martinez Titles: Junior welterweight (2004-06); welterweight (2006-08, 2009); junior middleweight (2010-12, 2017); middleweight (2014-15) Background: Cotto was one of greatest Puerto Rican stars of all time, using his combination of ability and professionalism to fight at the highest level of the sport for a decade and a half. The four-division titleholder was never afraid to fight the best possible opponents. And while he didn’t always win his biggest fights – for example, he lost to Manny Pacquiao, Floyd Mayweather and Canelo Alvarez – he always gave a good account of himself.
ROY JONES JR.
Record: 66-9, 47 KOs Active: 1989-2018 Key victories: Bernard Hopkins, Thomas Tate, James Toney, Mike McCallum, Montell Griffin, Virgil Hill, John Ruiz, Antonio Tarver, Felix Trinidad Titles: Middleweight (1993-94); super middleweight (1994-96); light heavyweight (1997, 1997-2003, 2003-04); heavyweight (2003-04) Background: When Jones was at his best, no one on this list could touch him. His combination of speed, athleticism and crushing power – as well as the ability to use them to destroy opponents – was something to behold from middleweight all the way up to heavyweight. The fact he defeated two fellow inductees (Hopkins and Toney) on Sunday says a lot about him. He made history by outpointing John Ruiz to win a heavyweight title but was never the same after gaining and then losing weight to move back down to 175 pounds.
JAMES TONEY
Record: 77-10-3, 47 KOs Active: 1988-2017 Key victories: Merqui Sosa, Michael Nunn, Reggie Johnson, Mike McCallum (twice), Iran Barkley, Tim Littles, Charles Williams, Vassiliy Jirov, Evander Holyfield Titles: Middleweight (1991-93); super middleweight (1993-94); cruiserweight (2003) Background: Toney was as gifted as anyone who will enter the Hall on Sunday. He was a born boxer, with once-in-a-generation instincts, but he didn’t have the discipline between fights to realize his full potential. As it was, he was one of the best of his era. He made a splash by stopping unbeaten Michael Nunn to win a middleweight title in 1991 and fought at an elite level for another 20 years.
WOMEN
Holly Holm was a star in both boxing and MMA. Justin Edmonds / Getty Images
REGINA HALMICH
Record: 54-1-1, 16 KOs Active: 1994-2007 Key victories: Jill Matthews, Hollie Dunaway, Elena Reid, Kim Messer, Delia Gonzalez Titles: Flyweight (1995-2007); junior bantamweight (1998-99, 2004), junior flyweight (1996-2007) Background: The former kickboxer from Germany ventured outside Europe only once – losing to Yvonne Trevino in 1995 in the U.S. – but she was dominating on her native continent. She had two reigns as flyweight champion, with an incredible 28 total successful defenses. She was a major figure in her home country.
HOLLY HOLM
Record: 33-2-3, 9 KOs Active: 2002-13 Key victories: Christy Martin, Anne Sophie Mathis, Diana Prazak, Mary Jo Sanders, Jane Couch, Chevelle Hallback, Mia St. John, Jaime Clampitt Titles: Junior welterweight (2004-06, 2010, 2012-13); welterweight (2006-09, 2012): junior middleweight (2006-08) Background: Holm became a hometown favorite in her native Albuquerque, New Mexico, where she fought the majority of her bouts. The former kickboxer, who had excellent boxing skills, won a reported 14 titles in three divisions. She went on to compete in mixed martial arts, in which she knocked out UFC star Ronda Rousey in a significant upset.
10 greatest parent-child boxing duos in the history of the sport.
Hall of Famer Kostya Tszyu and his son Tim are on their way to becoming one of the most-accomplished parent-child duos in boxing history.
In fact, they could end up No. 1 on the list. It all depends on how the unbeaten younger Tszyu does the rest of his career, starting with his U.S debut against Terrell Gausha on Saturday night at The Armory in Minneapolis (Showtime).
The competition actually isn’t particularly stiff even though the modern era of boxing is more than a century old. That’s because only one duo – father-son or father-daughter – can boast that both parent and child were truly great.
Tim Tszyu (20-0, 15 KOs) certainly likes the idea of him and his pop making history together.
“I’m down for that,” he told Boxing Junkie. “That would be a goal for a lifetime if that could be done. I’d be happy.”
Here are the 10 duos against whom the Tszyus are competing (in descending order).
10 greatest parent-child boxing duos in the history of the sport.
Hall of Famer Kostya Tszyu and his son Tim are on their way to becoming one of the most-accomplished parent-child duos in boxing history.
In fact, they could end up No. 1 on the list. It all depends on how the unbeaten younger Tszyu does the rest of his career, starting with his U.S debut against Terrell Gausha on Saturday night at The Armory in Minneapolis (Showtime).
The competition actually isn’t particularly stiff even though the modern era of boxing is more than a century old. That’s because only one duo – father-son or father-daughter – can boast that both parent and child were truly great.
Tim Tszyu (20-0, 15 KOs) certainly likes the idea of him and his pop making history together.
“I’m down for that,” he told Boxing Junkie. “That would be a goal for a lifetime if that could be done. I’d be happy.”
Here are the 10 duos against whom the Tszyus are competing (in descending order).
Muhammad Ali’s grandson Nico Ali Walsh scored a first-round knockout in his professional boxing debut Saturday.
A third generation of Muhammad Ali’s family is officially in professional boxing.
Middleweight Nico Ali Walsh, The Greatest’s 21-year-old grandson, stopped Jordan Weeks in the first round of his pro debut Saturday at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Tulsa, Okla.
Ali Walsh, wearing trunks his grandfather gave him, landed a right to the chin that forced Weeks to touch the canvas for a knockdown. He followed with a barrage of hard shots that prompted the referee to stop the fight.
The crowd, which chanted “Ali! Ali!” during the action, went wild when at the conclusion.
“This lived up completely to my expectations,” said Ali Walsh, the son of the late Hall of Famer’s daughter Rasheda Ali Walsh. “It’s been an emotional journey, this whole ride, these last couple of months.
“… Obviously, my grandfather, I’m thinking about him so much. I miss him. It’s just an emotional journey, and thank you to Jordan Weeks and his people. Tough, tough kid. I think me and him made a little bit of history tonight.”
Weeks (4-2, 2 KOs) is a raw fighter, which means the victory for Ali Walsh doesn’t mean much. However, it’s a first step.
Bob Arum of Top Rank promoted Muhammad Ali. He now works with Ali Walsh. Top Rank matchmaker Bruce Trampler told ESPN that the younger Ali, who is trained by SugarHill Steward, won’t be rushed.
Steward also trains heavyweight titleholder Tyson Fury.
“Step-by-step, play it by ear, watch his development and bring him along as fast as he’s able to go,” Trampler said. “I’ve seen him in the gym every day for a month. He’s learning. … It’s about building a relationship between the trainer and fighter and you can imagine the pressure on the fighter tonight.
“It was fun and he’s a terrific kid.”
Muhammad Ali’s daughter Laila Ali also was a professional boxer.
Muhammad Ali’s grandson Nico Ali Walsh scored a first-round knockout in his professional boxing debut Saturday.
A third generation of Muhammad Ali’s family is officially in professional boxing.
Middleweight Nico Ali Walsh, The Greatest’s 21-year-old grandson, stopped Jordan Weeks in the first round of his pro debut Saturday at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Tulsa, Okla.
Ali Walsh, wearing trunks his grandfather gave him, landed a right to the chin that forced Weeks to touch the canvas for a knockdown. He followed with a barrage of hard shots that prompted the referee to stop the fight.
The crowd, which chanted “Ali! Ali!” during the action, went wild when at the conclusion.
“This lived up completely to my expectations,” said Ali Walsh, the son of the late Hall of Famer’s daughter Rasheda Ali Walsh. “It’s been an emotional journey, this whole ride, these last couple of months.
“… Obviously, my grandfather, I’m thinking about him so much. I miss him. It’s just an emotional journey, and thank you to Jordan Weeks and his people. Tough, tough kid. I think me and him made a little bit of history tonight.”
Weeks (4-2, 2 KOs) is a raw fighter, which means the victory for Ali Walsh doesn’t mean much. However, it’s a first step.
Bob Arum of Top Rank promoted Muhammad Ali. He now works with Ali Walsh. Top Rank matchmaker Bruce Trampler told ESPN that the younger Ali, who is trained by SugarHill Steward, won’t be rushed.
Steward also trains heavyweight titleholder Tyson Fury.
“Step-by-step, play it by ear, watch his development and bring him along as fast as he’s able to go,” Trampler said. “I’ve seen him in the gym every day for a month. He’s learning. … It’s about building a relationship between the trainer and fighter and you can imagine the pressure on the fighter tonight.
“It was fun and he’s a terrific kid.”
Muhammad Ali’s daughter Laila Ali also was a professional boxer.
Claressa Shields is poised to make boxing history again when she faces Marie-Eve Dicaire on Friday.
Claressa Shields has already made quite a bit of history in her career, winning world titles in three divisions in only 10 fights.
The two-time Olympic gold medalist will be shooting for another achievement when she faces Marie-Eve Dicaire on Friday in Flint, Mich., Shields’ hometown. She is trying to become the first fighter of either gender to hold all four major belts in a second weight class.
Shields (10-0, 2 KOs) and Dicaire (17-0, 0 KOs) on Thursday made weight for their junior middleweight title-unification showdown, Shields weighing 153.6 pounds and Dicaire 152.6. The limit is 154.
“I can’t wait to make history again on May 5,” Shields said. “Fighting in Flint in front of all my fans has been a dream of mine since turning pro. Having the opportunity to make history by fighting for the undisputed title in a second weight division is something I’m very proud of.
“Fighting against undefeated IBF 154-pound champion Marie-Eve Dicaire continues my quest to fight the very best in women’s boxing.”
Of course, Dicaire, a southpaw from Quebec, Canada, has her own opportunity to become an undisputed champion.
“For me, this is a dream come true,” she said. “I will be prepared the best I can be and I am ready to leave everything in the ring to win the fight.”
Shields won the WBC and WBO 154-pound titles with her unanimous-decision victory over Ivana Habazin on Jan. 10 of last year, her most-recent fight. Dicaire captured the IBF title by outpointing Chris Namus in December 2018, after which she has successfully defended three times.
They will also be fighting for the vacant WBA title, which was recently instituted.
Only seven fighters have held all the major titles in a single division in the four-belt era. They are (in alphabetical order) Cecilia Braekhus, Terence Crawford, Bernard Hopkins, Shields, Jermain Taylor, Katie Taylor and Oleksandr Usyk.
Shields and Dicaire are the first women to headline a pay-per-view show since Laila Ali fought Jacqui Frazier-Lyde in 2001.
Claressa Shields is poised to make boxing history again when she faces Marie-Eve Dicaire on Friday.
Claressa Shields has already made quite a bit of history in her career, winning world titles in three divisions in only 10 fights.
The two-time Olympic gold medalist will be shooting for another achievement when she faces Marie-Eve Dicaire on Friday in Flint, Mich., Shields’ hometown. She is trying to become the first fighter of either gender to hold all four major belts in a second weight class.
Shields (10-0, 2 KOs) and Dicaire (17-0, 0 KOs) on Thursday made weight for their junior middleweight title-unification showdown, Shields weighing 153.6 pounds and Dicaire 152.6. The limit is 154.
“I can’t wait to make history again on May 5,” Shields said. “Fighting in Flint in front of all my fans has been a dream of mine since turning pro. Having the opportunity to make history by fighting for the undisputed title in a second weight division is something I’m very proud of.
“Fighting against undefeated IBF 154-pound champion Marie-Eve Dicaire continues my quest to fight the very best in women’s boxing.”
Of course, Dicaire, a southpaw from Quebec, Canada, has her own opportunity to become an undisputed champion.
“For me, this is a dream come true,” she said. “I will be prepared the best I can be and I am ready to leave everything in the ring to win the fight.”
Shields won the WBC and WBO 154-pound titles with her unanimous-decision victory over Ivana Habazin on Jan. 10 of last year, her most-recent fight. Dicaire captured the IBF title by outpointing Chris Namus in December 2018, after which she has successfully defended three times.
They will also be fighting for the vacant WBA title, which was recently instituted.
Only seven fighters have held all the major titles in a single division in the four-belt era. They are (in alphabetical order) Cecilia Braekhus, Terence Crawford, Bernard Hopkins, Shields, Jermain Taylor, Katie Taylor and Oleksandr Usyk.
Shields and Dicaire are the first women to headline a pay-per-view show since Laila Ali fought Jacqui Frazier-Lyde in 2001.
