Nico Ali Walsh and Kittisak Klinson Fight to a Majority
Nico Ali Walsh stepped into the Smart Araneta Coliseum carrying the weight of a legendary name — and walked out with a majority draw after eight hard‑fought rounds against Thailand’s Kittisak Klinson. The judges scored the bout 77–75 for Klinson, and 76–76 on the remaining two cards, resulting in a dramatic and fittingly historic stalemate on the 50th anniversary of Muhammad Ali vs. Joe Frazier.
Sources: ABS‑CBN News, GMA News Online
A Night Heavy With Legacy
Fifty years after Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier produced one of the greatest fights in boxing history, Ali’s grandson returned to the same arena to honor that legacy. The atmosphere was electric — presidents, champions, and Filipino icons filled the venue as chants of “Ali! Ali! Ali!” echoed through the Big Dome.
Walsh opened the fight with confidence
ABS‑CBN News reported that Walsh “aimed to continue his grandfather’s legacy” as he entered the ring against Klinson.
Rounds 1–3: Walsh Starts Fast, Klinson Pushes Back
Walsh opened the fight with confidence, snapping Klinson’s head back with jabs and left hooks. He even flashed the Ali shuffle and moments of rope‑a‑dope, drawing roars from the crowd.
But Klinson refused to be overwhelmed. GMA News noted that the Thai fighter “pressed forward and landed heavy overhand rights,” forcing Walsh into deeper exchanges than expected.
Rounds 4–6: Klinson’s Pressure Changes the Fight
As the rounds progressed, Klinson’s aggression and physicality began to shift momentum. He backed Walsh to the ropes repeatedly, landing clean right hands that slowed the American’s early rhythm.
With the fight tightening, Walsh dug deep
The IBA recap highlighted that Klinson “began the contest in formidable fashion, pressuring Ali Walsh back to the ropes” and landing the heavier shots in the mid‑fight rounds.
Rounds 7–8: Walsh Rallies Behind the Crowd
With the fight tightening, Walsh dug deep. Feeding off the chants of the Filipino crowd, he boxed sharply in the final rounds, landing combinations and showcasing the footwork and flair reminiscent of his grandfather.
Still, Klinson’s pressure never relented, and the final exchanges were fought at a blistering pace.
The Scorecards: A Majority Draw
A majority draw
When the bell rang, both fighters believed they had done enough. The judges saw it differently:
- 77–75 — Klinson
- 76–76 — Draw
- 76–76 — Draw
A majority draw — and a result that reflected the razor‑close nature of the fight.
Walsh told reporters he believed he “clearly won,” but acknowledged the crowd’s energy made the night unforgettable.
A Fight Worthy of the Stage
This wasn’t just a boxing match — it was a generational moment.
- A grandson honoring a grandfather.
- A Thai underdog rising to the occasion.
- A Filipino crowd celebrating the past while witnessing the future.
Both fighters left the ring with their reputations elevated, and a rematch would be welcomed by fans across the region.
Final Thoughts
Nico Ali Walsh vs. Kittisak Klinson delivered everything a Thrilla in Manila anniversary fight should: heart, drama, legacy, and a result that demands another chapter.
A draw wasn’t a disappointment — it was a promise.
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Tags: Boxing, Combat Sports
