Nico Ali Walsh’s Bold Claim
Nico Ali Walsh, the grandson of the iconic Muhammad Ali, has stirred conversation in the boxing community by asserting that Shakur Stevenson is the greatest defensive boxer in history. Ali Walsh, who holds an 11-2 record as a middleweight, made his claim on social media following discussions about the shifting dynamics of defensive styles in modern boxing. He stated,
“When anyone asks who is the greatest defensive boxer of all time, the only real answer now is Shakur Stevenson.”
This bold assertion quickly ignited debate among boxing enthusiasts and experts alike.
Responses from the Boxing Community
Former world title challenger Ashley Theophane, who once fought for Floyd Mayweather’s Money Team, was quick to respond, presenting a more traditional view of the sport’s defensive legends. He mentioned the likes of Floyd Mayweather, Willie Pep, and Pernell Whitaker as those deserving a spot on the sport’s defensive “Mount Rushmore,” suggesting that while Stevenson is incredibly talented, he still has work to do to earn his place alongside these greats. Theophane highlighted a crucial point: while Stevenson’s skills are impressive, the caliber of his opponents has been questioned.
Shakur Stevenson’s Career and Future
Shakur Stevenson, undefeated with a 24-0 record and 11 knockouts, has faced scrutiny for some of his performances, particularly before impressing fans with a standout victory against William Zepeda in New York. Stevenson addressed critics who wanted him to adopt a bolder, more aggressive fighting style in that bout.
Anticipation for Future Showdowns
As conversations continue, there is growing excitement about a potential showdown between Stevenson and the WBA lightweight champion Gervonta Davis, where Stevenson would put his WBC title on the line. If he can deliver a performance against Davis similar to that against Zepeda, discussions about his place among boxing’s defensive elites will intensify.
Nico Ali Walsh’s Journey
For Nico Ali Walsh, the dialogue surrounding his comments occurs amidst his own boxing journey. After two setbacks, he has been revitalizing his career, most recently securing a majority decision victory over the previously undefeated Ebenezer Sowah on May 10. As he navigates his path in the 160-pound division, the echoes of his grandfather’s legacy continue to influence his ambitions and the attention he garners in the boxing world.
