He wants to replicate what Muhammad Ali did to Joe Frazier in 1974. After all, a loss followed by a spectacular performance in a revenge bout runs in the family. So why not? Anything is possible in boxing. But does Nico Ali Walsh see the rematch with Sona Akale in a similar light? If not the same, he might want to seek inspiration from his grandfather’s legendary pursuit for redemption from exactly 50 years ago.

When Walsh and Akale crossed paths last year, very few fans, and pundits favored Akale. But the latter shocked all in a decision win that raised some eyebrows. So, their second encounter has everything the fans need when they witness them exchange punches, a flavor of revenge, and fast and slick action for 6 rounds on offer. Before the action goes down at the James L. Knight Center in Miami on the Teofimo Lopez vs. Steve Claggett undercard, let’s have a look at how the two fighters stack up.

Nico Ali Walsh vs. Sona Akale: Tale of the Tape

Walsh took on the family tradition and captivated the fans with not only his family name but his boxing prowess too. The young boxer swayed fans with his style and has already rushed to an impressive record of 10-1 with 5 KOs. He has had a perfect blend of aggression and clean hitting, along with strong defensive movements, and his KO ratio of 50% suggests the same.

In addition, the Chicago-born boxer utilizes his dimensions of 6’0″ (183 cm) and reach of 74.0″ (188 cm) to gain a size advantage and impose his will. He has largely been successful, and, at only 23, he has a long way to go. But has Walsh improved enough to exact vengeance against Akale?

It won’t be easy this time either, as Akale, at 36, has exhibited excellent boxing skills, despite making a late entry in 2019. The Minneapolis native has largely kept his record tidy at 9-1 with 4 KOs. But what has separated him from the rest is his tendency to remain more active and unload punches, which has also ensured his KO ratio remains a healthy 44.44%.

However, he cedes away ground in size, as he stands tall at 5’7″ (170 cm). That’s not it. ‘Slink Proper’ also comes in as a lighter fighter with his last weight registering at 154.0 lbs (69.9 kg), compared to Walsh’s 156.9 lbs (71.2 kg). Will the measurements help turn the tables in this middleweight bout?

Prediction: X factor, and who needs to make what adjustments?

What exactly went wrong the last time around for Las Vegas-based Walsh? While he landed cleaner shots and hurt Akale, he didn’t seem more active to the judges. The judges gave it to Akale, largely based on his activity. And Walsh tinkered around with his camp and shifted to Ismael Salas.

What followed next was two wins, with each showing more progress for the middleweight fighter, especially his fight with Charles Standford. Not only did he put early pressure on and trade punches, but he also unleashed volume punching. It looks like he has ironed out the issues. But what does he need to do more of?

Maybe by staying more active and making it look more clean. Swaying the judges remains the key. What about his X-factor that can help him? ‘The Legend Lives On”s technical prowess and his solid base. It’s very basic, but that’s what counts more against a fighter whose fame has largely been outside the ring, as a hip-hop artist.

Meanwhile, Akale has built on his momentum and is coming off another win against Tray Martin. Well, that might not attract your attention, but the scorecards of that match might. The orthodox boxer swept all 6 rounds. It’s impressive, isn’t it? His confidence is soaring, and then add to the mix his aggression, and you have a mouth-watering contest. What does he need to do?

As it’s a six-round affair, he doesn’t need to save his tank and sit for the counterattack. He will need to be calculated with his aggression and adjust to Walsh’s longer reach. Akale has done it before. And what is his X-factor? Undoubtedly, his confidence. He has done the same job before, and he will be confident enough to do it again.

What do you make of this coming fight between Nico Ali Walsh and Sona Akale? Who do you think will emerge victorious in this revenge match this Saturday, June 29? Let us know in the comments below.