MUHAMMAD ALI’s grandson Nico was held to a DRAW on the 50th anniversary of the Thrilla in Manila.
Ali famously defeated Joe Frazier in their 1975 trilogy bout in the Philippines in the sweltering 49 degrees heat.
And in the same arena – thankfully renovated with air conditioning – Ali’s grandson Nico Ali Walsh stepped between the same ropes five decades on.
Filipino great Manny Pacquiao, Philippines Bongbong Marcos, Ali’s daughter Rasheda and Joe Frazier Jr were all in attendance.
But the nostalgia of event failed to inspire Ali Walsh to victory – escaping with a majority draw against Thailand’s Kittisak Klinson over eight rounds.
Thanking the crowd, the 25-year-old said: “I wouldn’t be here today if not for God and my grandfather.
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“I want to thank my grandfather for putting on an amazing show 50 years ago in this arena. Thank you guys for having me.
“I hope to be back soon. I don’t agree with the decision, I know you guys saw the real victor tonight.”
Ali Walsh started the opening three rounds fast, using his jab to set up left hooks to the body and right hands upstairs.
But midway through the fight, he began to slow down and let Klinson back into the contest.
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Klinson was the more active down the stretch, rifling jabs home to the midsection and up top.
Ali Walsh did his best to get the crowd going with renditions of his grandfather’s famous Ali shuffle and rope-a-dope.
The American pulled it back in the final two rounds by pouring on the pressure – with Klinson even forced to tackle him to the ground.
But as the fight went to the judges scorecards, went 77-74 in favour of Klinson with the other two having it a 76-76 draw.
So Ali Walsh – who turned down $3m to fight Jake Paul last year – walked away without defeat, having already lost twice in his 16-bout career.
He initially drew with Danny Rosenberger in 2023 before it was overturned to a no-contest after his opponent failed a drug test.
