Nico Ali Walsh basks in ‘Thrilla 2’ limelight

Nico Ali Walsh

(Philstar.com / Martin Ramos)

MANILA, Philippines — Hearing his grandfather’s name being cheered while he is fighting, in the same venue his grandfather fought in 50 years prior, felt “amazing,” Nico Ali Walsh said.

Walsh was among the fighters who participated in Thrilla in Manila II, a 50th anniversary celebration of the iconic boxing card that was main-evented by Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier in 1975, on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

This time around, Walsh fought to a majority draw against Thai boxer Kittisak Klinson in their middleweight bout.

“It was amazing. It was amazing and the people made it special. It's not just the walls and the place. It's not just here. It's not just the arena that makes it special. Not to sound corny or anything, but seriously, it's the people,” he told reporters after the match.

“If I was in an empty stadium, this wouldn't be as special. It's the people chanting Ali now the same way they were 50 years ago. That's what makes it special,” he added.

Walsh did his grandfather’s signature taunts – the rope-a-dope and the Ali shuffle – much to the delight of the crowd.

At times, the audience cheered “Ali! Ali!”

“I loved you guys. The crowd was amazing. I thought I put on a show. I was having fun out there. I was doing… having a good time,” he said.

However, Walsh said he thinks he won the match.

“I thought it was a clear victory. I'm happy that it felt like the crowd, the fans enjoyed the fight. I thought it was a purely dominant performance. I was shocked by the decision,” he said.

“No bashing America. But I fight in America and I get booed. I'm going to be real with you guys. Certain parts of America, my grandfather was hated at one point in time. But in certain parts of America, it feels like people hate on me just because of my grandfather,” he added.

“So, I get booed in a lot of parts of America. It was pretty amazing to feel welcomed by you guys.”

Walsh now has an 11-2-1 win-loss-draw record.