Jake Paul responds to snub as Muhammad Ali’s grandson calls out Teofimo Lopez

Nico Ali Walsh claimed a unanimous decision win over Sona Akele on Saturday night – and then called out Teofimo Lopez while explaining his decision to snub Jake Paul.

Nico Ali Walsh has called out Teofimo Lopez after turning down Jake Paul (Image: (Image: Getty))

Nico Ali Walsh, the grandson of the legendary Muhammad Ali, has boldly challenged Teofimo Lopez, the WBO junior welterweight champion, alleging that Lopez insulted his heritage. The 23-year-old pugilist not only triumphed over Sona Akele with a unanimous decision in his fight this weekend but also turned down hefty sums to step into the ring with social media phenomenon-turned-boxer Jake Paul.

In an impassioned statement, Ali Walsh expressed his dismay at Lopez’s comments: “One thing for sure I gotta clear, Teofimo Lopez said in an interview a few weeks before this fight he disrespected my family saying that I’m only in boxing because I’m desperate for money and fame and I thought that was real wrong for someone I used to look up to say,” revealed Walsh.

He continued to define his journey in the world of boxing, repudiating any notions of chasing cash or clout: “But, you know, it is what it is. I just wanna let everyone 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. Before this fight, I denied a multi-million-dollar contract from MVP Promotions, to fight Jake Paul, and I’m fighting a real fighter tonight. I’m not a part of that circus league of boxing. This is the real league of boxing and this is what I’m gonna do.”

Teofimo Lopez upset Ali Walsh with comments made (Image: (Image: Getty))

Jake Paul himself jumped into the fray, mocking Ali Walsh’s claims on social media. He tagged him as a counterfeit and undercut Walsh’s grievance, further criticizing, “Lol exactly. His whole point here works against him,” posted Paul.

He went on to deride: “I been trying to fight this fraud and now he admitted he ducked me but calling me a circus act. Gifted a decision tonight because of his last name. Shake my head.”

Walsh faced jeers during his post-bout interview at the James L. Knight Center, with a strong contingent supporting Akele. Despite battling a shoulder injury, Walsh triumphed over his adversary.

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Paul offered Walsh millions to fight (Image: (Image: Getty))

“I don’t know what happened. I’ve never been through anything like that, and it popped out, but I survived and I definitely beat him,” Walsh remarked regarding his injury.

“I don’t know what he’s getting upset about. It feels like if it happened to him, he would have cried like a baby and sat on the ground and quit the fight, but it happened to the right person and I’m just happy for the victory. It feels like I’m winning twice now, because the first time they awarded him the decision but I felt like I won.”

A trilogy between Walsh and Akele might be on the cards. “I feel like I beat him twice now but if this fight didn’t prove it I will fight absolutely anyone,” Akele declared.