When you walk on a 15-block stretch in Los Angeles, you will spot of crowd jumping on the road and crashing into people, as they stop and take pictures of the walkways. It’s the Hollywood Walk of Fame, where more than 2500 legendary names have a star dedicated to them. But the only one that is different belongs to Muhammad Ali, and it has been there for quite some time now. However, only recently, Nico Ali Walsh and his family decided to make a trip to the city and soak in their family’s legacy.
Contrary to the other stars on the walkway, Ali’s star is rather mounted on the wall of the Dolby Theatre. It’s this peculiar feature that Walsh highlighted, as he shared the snaps of his trip. The 24-year-old turned to his Instagram handle and posted pictures of him standing before the star, same as his family members, who recalled the memories of their patriarch and could be seen shedding tears.
Walsh wrote in the caption, “It was me and my family’s first time visiting my grandfather’s star on the walk of fame. It’s amazing that he is the ONLY star on the wall, he wanted this to avoid stepping on the Prophet Muhammad’s name. Alhamdulillah!!🤲🏼🦋”
But why is it so? Interestingly, when the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce approached Ali, he declined the invitation. He pointed out how it would have disrespected him and the Prophet Mohammad’s name. He had said back then, “I bear the name of our beloved Prophet Mohammad, and it is impossible that I allow people to trample over his name.”
Therefore, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce came up with a solution and put Ali’s star on the wall. It must have been an exhilarating experience for Walsh, at 10-1-1, who picked up boxing after his grandfather’s persuasion. And when you have such a figure to look up to, you will not need to look for inspiration outside your home. The same is the case with Walsh.
Muhammad Ali has always been number 1 for Nico Ali Walsh
The Chicago native has been vocal about the influence his grandfather has had on his career and life. So, when he recently met Canelo Alvarez, he put him in the number two slot, as he thanked the Mexican champion for visiting his gym. He declared, “Thank you so much for coming. My grandfather has always been my number 1, honestly. But you have been number 2.”
Walsh, in the past also, has called his grandfather the “greatest fighter of all time.” What’s more? Walsh borrows some aspects of his boxing style from Ali, as he watched him closely growing up and incorporated the same elements. This has also helped him muster an impressive record and he continues to rise in the rankings and it won’t be long before he challenges for the world championship.
What do you make of this post by Nico Ali Walsh and their trip to Muhammad Ali’s star on the Walk of Fame? Let us know in the comments below.
