Biaggio Ali Walsh loves that he’s the grandson of legendary boxer Muhammad Ali, but he hopes to create his own name.
Training out of Xtreme Couture in Las Vegas, Walsh is 1-1 in mixed martial arts. The 24-year-old lost his debut by second-round submission this past June but rebounded with a first-round TKO win on Aug. 27.
When he enters his third amateur bout at the 2022 PFL Championships on Nov. 25 in New York, Walsh wants to put on a memorable performance.
“I embrace it,” Walsh told MMA Junkie Radio on being Ali’s grandson. “I love talking about my grandfather. I love my grandfather. We’ve had so many memories together, and talking about him just inspires me more, so I embrace it every time it comes up. But at the same time, I’m Biaggio Ali Walsh, and that’s why I’m here. I’m trying to make my own name, my own legacy. At the end of the day, that’s what every fighter is trying to do, so I’m not that different from any other fighter. I just have a famous grandfather.”
He continued, “My short-term goal right now is just to win fights and get as much amateur experience as possible. My long-term goals is obviously I want to win the belt, I want to win $1 million and just know that I was able to do that myself. Long-term, I want to be a great mentor for martial arts.”
Ali is arguably the most recognizable sports figure ever, and Walsh loves being linked to him. However, Walsh is even more inspired by his grandfather’ actions outside of the ring than inside of it.
“I think the non-athlete is what stands out to me more,” Walsh said. “Obviously he was a terrific boxer, he had great trash talk, as well. He was the one who basically started that, but outside of the ring, he was the coolest, nicest person you ever meet. He never said no to an autograph, he never said no to a handshake. He would meet somebody and make their whole day. I think it was the non-athlete that stuck with me more.”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for the 2022 PFL Championships.
