“I just remember it was an ugly fight,” Nico Ali Walsh said, recalling his August 2023 bout against Sona Akale. That was the night he registered his first professional loss, with Akale winning by majority decision. “I just wasn’t myself [in] that fight,” Walsh added. In June this year, Walsh got the opportunity to get revenge in a rematch, and going into it, he made a bold statement.

“I’ve had the choice to take the fast-cash route in boxing. I could be fighting Peyton Manning on Saturday night and get paid a whole lot more than what I’m getting to fight this real fight,” Nico said. But considering he’s the Muhammad Ali’s grandson, he added, “I chose to not go that route. I’m fighting for legacy, to actually be great, and I’m continuing the greatest legacy in boxing history.” On June 29, he improved his professional record to 11-1, avenging his defeat by a unanimous decision. But he’s not done yet.

Before he took on Akale on the Teofimo Lopez-Steve Claggett undercard, Nico Ali Walsh said, “Success to me looks like reaching the pinnacle of wherever I’m at.” And who better to help him do that than four-time world champion Terence Crawford?

Boxing boasts an honorable roster of outstanding trainers. As long as there are boxers, there will always be someone to guide and take care of their corner. But apart from the teacher, a fighter often benefits from those who have experienced the ring, as they understand the craft inside-out. Learning the nitty-gritty of the trade from the best can elevate one’s game to entirely different levels.

Boxing’s first two-division undisputed champion scaled another height as he defeated Israil Madrimov to become a four-time world champion. That is why perhaps fans were swooned by clips of Crawford sharing valuable tips with young Nico Ali Walsh. Ring TV shared the footage on its Instagram handle. “Free boxing lesson from the great @tbudcrawford giving @nicoaliwalsh free game on the sweet science 🥊,” the message on their clip read. Probably, the meeting was an impromptu one—’Bud’ had a table tennis paddle in his hands.

One can only imagine the lesson Ali Walsh took home. From the discussion, it appears the light welterweight champion was addressing defense against a hook. The fundamentals involve keeping the chin closer to the shoulder while throwing a jab with a lead hand. In doing so, a hook from the outside would fail to make a connection.

However, the right side would be open (for an orthodox fighter). So Crawford told Nico Ali Walsh to turn the body. It would help him absorb the incoming hook. Of course, the hand would have to be raised at the time. Otherwise, it’s boom!

Terence Crawford, leading by example

For fans, more than the dissection of technique, it was the interaction between a master craftsman and an apprentice that mattered the most. This fan had nothing but words of praise for the champion. Apart from being a genuine person, Crawford was a generous man who readily shared his vast knowledge. “Real person right there 👏 share your wealth, that’s awesome.”

But this next fan appeared a bit amused. For all his appearances, how come Nico Ali Walsh found time to pick boxing basics only now? The fan said, “Don’t understand how Walsh is fighting on TV and is just now being taught the basics😂” The beginning of Nico’s professional boxing career has been like no other. He said so himself.

“I’m having a career that no one else, including my grandfather, has had,” he said, explaining, “My first fight was on ESPN; my second and third fights were on ESPN. These were on main cards right on TV. I’m being jumped from little to no amateur experience straight to the big leagues.” Since turning pro, Walsh has also never gone up against anyone with a losing record.

That said, a fan felt that Ali Walsh may have had to attend a few more such sessions under Terence Crawford. They believe that he falls short compared to the hype generated around him. “He’s going to need a lot more lessons from Bud if he’s going to catch up with his Top Rank hype; the marketing for him during his fights makes me turn the channel every time,” they said.

The next user nevertheless admired Terence Crawford’s dedication to boxing and appreciated his role in mentoring young fighters. They hoped ‘Bud’ would continue this after retirement. They said, “How can you not love Bud? This guy lives boxing, and lately, we’ve really seen him passing on his knowledge to the next generation (not saying Ali Walsh is that, really, but still). I hope he stays this involved once he retires.”

Unlike the rest, this follower went back in time. They wondered whether Ali Walsh picked anything from the old video that features his grandfather discussing a few tricks of the trade from great trainer Cus D’Amato. “He never watched the Cus D’Amato vs. Ali video!?!?!”

Even if it was a casual conversation between them, Nico Ali Walsh surely picked up a few key takeaways.

It’s been just three years since the 24-year-old entered professional boxing. He still has many more years in the sport. At this stage, it would greatly benefit him to learn from different masters and hone his skills.

Who would you think Nico Ali Walsh should fight next to improve his standing in the rankings?