Biaggio Ali Walsh, grandson of boxing legend Muhammad Ali, experienced his first professional loss on Friday night, submitting to a triangle choke.
PFL had rapidly advanced the career of the boxing legend`s grandson, supporting his amateur progress before his professional debut last year. Having achieved a 2-0 record with two decisive victories, he faced a significant challenge against Ronnie Gibbs in this fight.
Both fighters hail from Chicago, but Gibbs had the advantage of local support. He used this energy to push through a tough first round and secure the most significant win of his early professional career. This loss means Ali Walsh must now re-evaluate and plan his future steps.
Biaggio Ali Walsh Submits in His Third Pro Bout
Entering the PFL Smart Cage as a massive -1600 favorite on Friday, Biaggio Ali Walsh appeared dominant early on. He quickly knocked Gibbs down, although Gibbs recovered and survived the initial onslaught through the first half of round one.
In the final seconds of the round, Ali Walsh scored another knockdown and followed up with elbows that might have ended the fight if the bell hadn`t sounded. This set the stage for an interesting second round, where Gibbs soon managed to take the fight to the ground.
On the mat, Gibbs gained top position and successfully applied an arm triangle submission, forcing Ali Walsh to tap. The Chicago audience erupted in cheers for their local fighter, who climbed onto the cage to celebrate. Ali Walsh recovered and shared a respectful embrace with Gibbs afterward.
Following the fight, Ali Walsh posted on Instagram, writing:
God is the Greatest. Although the outcome wasn`t what we hoped for, this experience will undoubtedly improve me.
Congrats to @the_emperor_of_finesse, you demonstrated significant toughness and resilience, and you have a bright future ahead! Now it`s time for me to address my areas for improvement. Thank you to everyone for your continued love and support!
Ali Walsh`s Promising Start to Pro Career
With Muhammad Ali as his legendary grandfather, Biaggio Ali Walsh`s career was always destined to be under intense scrutiny. He is often supported by a notable entourage, including his boxing brother Nico and the famous rapper Flavor Flav, who frequently attends his bouts.
After an amateur record of 1-1, Ali Walsh was signed by PFL. The promotion provided him with five amateur fights before transitioning him to the professional ranks. His pro debut took place in Saudi Arabia, where he went the full distance against Emanuel Palacio.
However, in his second pro fight last year in Florida, he showcased his formidable punching power against newcomer Brian Stapleton. He finished the replacement opponent via knockout within the first minute, signaling his potential as a rising prospect.
