Nico Ali Walsh, grandson of the legendary Muhammad Ali, gained more than just a fight in Manila—he found a second home.
After battling Thailand’s Kittisak Klinson to a majority draw during the 50th Anniversary of the “Thrilla in Manila” at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, the 24-year-old American boxer said he felt a connection that went beyond the ring.
“The people here are special. Not just the place, not the sound, but seriously—it’s the people,” Walsh said, his voice filled with gratitude after the fight. “All praises to Allah for this fight and the decision. Thank you to all my people in the Philippines! I’m blessed beyond belief, and I’ll be returning again soon.”
The iconic Big Dome, the very same venue where his grandfather battled Joe Frazier in 1975 in one of boxing’s most brutal and unforgettable matches, once again echoed with chants of “Ali! Ali!”—only this time for the grandson continuing the family’s legacy.
Walsh started strong, relying on sharp jabs and crisp left hooks that landed cleanly on Klinson. The crowd roared when he unleashed a few of his grandfather’s trademark moves—the “Ali shuffle” and the “rope-a-dope”—drawing smiles and applause from Filipino fans who knew their boxing history well.
But as the fight wore on, Klinson clawed his way back, forcing Walsh into exchanges that turned the bout into a tactical chess match. After eight rounds, one judge had it 77-76 for Klinson, while the other two scored it 76-76, resulting in a majority draw.
Walsh couldn’t hide his disbelief.
“I thought it was a clear victory. I was having a good time out there. I fight in America and sometimes get booed—some people even hate my grandfather there,” he said. “But here, it was different. The love was real.”
Despite the inconclusive result, the night was a celebration of legacy and connection. For Walsh, it wasn’t just about proving his boxing pedigree—it was about honoring the memory of the man who made Manila immortal in sports history.
As he left the ring, drenched in sweat and emotion, one thing was certain: Nico Ali Walsh didn’t just fight in the Philippines—he belonged here.
