Muhammad Ali’s grandson no longer undefeated in boxing

Benny A. King

In an eventful night of boxing, rising heavyweight prospect Jared Anderson continued his undefeated streak by stopping Andriy Rudenko in five rounds, while the unexpected unfolded as Muhammad Ali’s grandson, Nico Ali Walsh, faced a surprise defeat against unheralded Sona Akale.

Jared Anderson, a 23-year-old emerging force in the heavyweight division, extended his impressive unbeaten record with a resounding victory over Andriy Rudenko. The clash took place at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Tulsa, showcasing Anderson’s prowess as he clinched his 16th professional win and 15th inside-the-distance triumph.

Displaying both skill and showmanship, Anderson sported a Batman costume during his ringwalk, a nod to his unique entrances in the past. Once the action began, Anderson’s sharp jabs and effective body punches swiftly asserted his dominance, gaining control from the opening round.

As the contest progressed, Anderson’s relentless assault on Rudenko’s body intensified, pushing his opponent to the limit. Despite Rudenko’s efforts, including clinching tactics, Anderson’s prowess remained unrivaled.

By the fifth round, Rudenko’s tactics resulted in a point deduction. Anderson capitalized on this opportunity, unleashing a barrage of powerful punches that left Rudenko cowering and the referee forced to intervene, declaring Anderson the victor at 1:40 into the round.

Reflecting on his performance, Anderson stated, “I’m enjoying the ride, enjoying the fights, and just doing my job.” He let his actions speak volumes, choosing to focus on his progress within the division rather than issuing further words to his competitors.

In another surprising turn of events, Nico Ali Walsh, the grandson of the legendary Muhammad Ali, encountered an unexpected setback in his boxing journey. Facing off against Sona Akale, Walsh showcased his skills with impactful uppercuts and hooks that momentarily wobbled Akale. However, Akale’s consistent pressure allowed him to secure a majority-decision win after six closely contested rounds.

The event also saw Efe Ajagba claim victory over Zhan Kossobutskiy, though the win was secured via disqualification. Kossobutskiy’s tactics of leaning forward and throwing occasional arm punches led to a contentious encounter. Ajagba endured low blows and responded with strong shots. In a turn of events, Kossobutskiy’s repeated low blows resulted in two points being deducted, ultimately leading to the referee’s decision to end the bout.

Olympic gold medalist Bakhodir Jalolov, a rising star in the heavyweight division, also left his mark on the night. Jalolov, who secured super heavyweight gold in the Tokyo Olympics, stopped Onoriode Ehwarieme in the first round, highlighting his prowess and potential in the sport.

As the world of boxing continues to deliver thrilling narratives and unexpected outcomes, the performances of Anderson, Walsh, and others underscore the sport’s dynamism and the perseverance of its athletes.