Muhammad Ali's Grandson Nico Ali Walsh Says He Turned Down Jake Paul Boxing Fight

Professional boxer Nico Ali Walsh, the grandson of the legendary Muhammad Ali, said he turned down opportunities to fight Jake Paul and earn a multi-million dollar contract to join MVP Promotions, which Paul co-founded.

Ali Walsh made the remarks in an in-ring interview after he defeated Sona Akale by unanimous decision to cap a six-round middleweight bout on Saturday (h/t Josh Peter of USA Today).

"Before this fight I denied a multimillion-dollar contract from MVP Promotions to fight Jake Paul and I'm fighting a real fighter tonight," Ali Walsh said.

"So, I'm not part of that circus league of boxing. This is the real league of boxing. This is what I'm going to do."

Paul responded to those thoughts on X.

The 23-year-old Ali Walsh's comments followed his own remarks in response to WBO light welterweight champion Teofimo Lopez, who won via unanimous decision Steve Claggett

"He disrespects my family saying I'm only in boxing because I'm desperate for money and fame,'' Ali Walsh said. "I just want everyone to know that I chose the path of boxing. I chose the path of legacy. If I wanted to I could be a millionaire right now."

Lopez retained his belt later that evening via unanimous decision over Steve Claggett.

Ali Walsh is now 10-1 for his career, with five knockouts.