Muhammad Ali’s grandson Biaggio Ali Walsh scores massive knockout win in PFL MMA debut
Boxing legend Muhammad Ali’s grandson Biaggio Ali Walsh scored an epic knockout win on Friday night.
The 24-year-old suffered a submission loss in his amateur MMA debut earlier this year after transitioning to the sport following an impressive college career in American football.
However, he has since bounced back with a win over Bradley Seaver and been signed to the Professional Fighters League [PFL] which is one of the bigger MMA promotions.
On Friday, PFL crowned six new champions – including British fighter Brendan Loughnane - who all walked away from the event at Madison Square Garden in New York with £1million in prize money.
Before all that, Walsh featured in his third amateur contest against Tom Graessar whose modest MMA record read 1-3 heading into his fight at PFL 10.
The grandson-of-a-legend looked the better fighter immediately and was able to wobble Graesser during their first exchange before flooring him with a vicious three-punch combination that forced referee Keith Peterson to wave off the fight after just 45 seconds.
After improving his record to 2-1, Biaggio talked about the pressure that comes with being related to one of the greatest fighters of all time.
“The pressure is going to be there, but I welcomed it," he said.
"I wanted to knock him out early on, but anything can happen in the fight. Whether I win it's the first second or third round, it doesn't matter I just want to get the win."
Biaggio entered the world of combat sports after watching his younger brother, Nico Ali Walsh, impress during his short boxing career.
The 22-year-old has already boasts five knockouts from seven wins as a professional boxer and has linked up with Tyson Fury’s trainer, SugarHill Steward ahead of what promises to be a big career in the sport.
Before most recent fight, Nico discussed the pros and cons of being related to the man who many believe is the best boxer of all time.
“I’ve already shocked a lot of people with what I’ve done so far, but I want to continue that and I want to be great, be another great like my grandfather," he told talksSPORT.
“I’ve been given the opportunities with Top Rank and ESPN, all these huge blessings, it’s from the name of course, but I have to be able to put that work in and back up the name.
“So, if I’m not doing that work and putting in all the time in the gym then the name would go to the wayside.
“So, you get the good opportunities, but everyone who fights me wants to knock me out and I get the best version of them.”