'This is what my grandpa Muhammad Ali would've made of Mike Tyson's controversial decision

Muhammad Ali is one of the greatest boxers in history(Image: undefined via Getty Images)

Muhammad Ali's grandson believes the boxing legend would have been "entertained" by today's "circus" of boxing matches, including those featuring social media influencers.

Contrary to what some might think about how the greatest boxer of all time would react to the mega-money fights involving top athletes and internet personalities, Biaggio Ali Walsh has a different perspective. In an exclusive sit-down with Mirror Fighting this week, Walsh shared that his late grandfather was astonished by the sums of money fighters like Floyd Mayweather Jr were raking in during the 2000s, which dwarfed the purses from Ali's own bouts in the 1960s and 1970s.

The 26-year-old said: "You know, years ago when he was still alive, we were telling him how much Floyd was getting paid for his fights because Floyd was making a lot of money. He was making over 100million for his fights.

"And my grandpa was sitting in the chair. He's like, 'No, no, no.' 'Oh, yeah. Yeah, bro. He's making 100million.' And he's like, 'No, no way.' I'm like, 'Yeah, dude, that's where boxing is now.'".

Despite many boxing traditionalists repulsed at the idea of Mike Tyson coming out of retirement in 2024 to fight YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul - especially considering their 30-year age difference and Tyson's nearly two-decade absence from professional competition - Walsh believes his grandfather would have supported such a match-up. He added: "In terms of the circus fights, that's what I like to call them - it's money orientated.

"It's not like it's not based on talent anymore, really. It's based on, you know, just the biggest name versus the biggest name, regardless of your skill level. But to make of that...I honestly don't think he would disapprove of it, because the viewership in the eyes and people buying to watch the fight was the reason he even started trash-talking and brought out his personality anyway.

"Yeah, so in a way, I feel like he'd be supportive of it. You know, if you can fool millions of people to watch you fight, then you're doing something right, right? So I feel like he wouldn't disapprove of it.

Muhammad Ali enjoyed an incredible boxing career(Image: The Stanley Weston Archive)

"I feel like he would...it would be entertaining for him to see what's next, like, who's the next big name versus the next big name, you know? So I don't think he would disapprove of it. In fact, I think he would be entertained by it."

When Tyson faced off against Paul at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, few were shocked by the outcome. The 28-year-old dismantled the former heavyweight world champion over eight rounds, showcasing superior speed and stamina.

This victory improved his professional record to 11-1, with the bout broadcast live worldwide on Netflix to eager fight enthusiasts. Tyson faced a barrage of criticism for even considering a fight with Paul, as traditionalists have been vehemently against the influence that social media stars have had on boxing, with fighters opting for lucrative events instead of pursuing challenging opponents to win world titles like boxers from previous eras.

Jake Paul easily beat Mike Tyson in November(Image: AP)

Ali will forever be remembered as one of the greatest fighters to ever grace the ring. A three-time lineal heavyweight champion, Ali defeated a roster of formidable opponents to amass an impressive record of 56-5, including victories over George Foreman, Leon Spinks and Buster Mathis - not to mention his trilogy with Joe Frazier, which culminated in the 1975 Thrilla in Manila.

Although Ali passed away at 74 in 2016, Walsh seems to be following in his grandfather's footsteps by forging his own path in combat sports, currently boasting an unblemished 2-0 record in mixed martial arts with the Professional Fighters League. The lightweight, who trains at Xtreme Couture in Las Vegas, Nevada, clinched a unanimous decision victory over Emmanuel Palacio in his debut with the organization last February, before securing a first-round TKO of Brian Stapleton just six months later.

Biaggio Ali Walsh fights next month(Image: Cooper Neill/PFL)

Walsh is gearing up for his next match in the PFL, scheduled for June 27, where he'll face off against Ronnie Gibbs at Chicago's Wintrust Arena. Sharing respect for his opponent, Walsh said: "And my opponent, Ronnie, he's from Chicago.

"I think he had a pretty good amateur career. He was, I think, 7-1. He's 1-0 as a pro now. Seems like a striker, but can grapple too. Just seems like a good matchup for this fight.

"I'm just super excited to be able to display all the stuff that I've improved on and all the things I've worked on since my last fight. And that's just what I'm most excited about, is being able to show the people that."