Huge KO! Nico: I was inspired by Ali chants

Nico Ali Walsh has sought to write his own story in the boxing ring, but that does not mean he will not embrace tributes to his late great grandfather Muhammad Ali. 

The American middleweight prospect produced fireworks on his Las Vegas debut at the weekend as he recorded a one-punch, first-round knockout victory over Alejandro Ibarra at MGM Grand Garden Arena.

Murmurs of 'Ali' had been heard during previous fights and throughout the build-up to Saturday, but never to the extent witnessed upon his Nevada homecoming.

"I didn't know if they would, but I guess a lot of people love my grandfather and hearing those chants is something so powerful," Walsh told Sky Sports.

Ali Walsh, who improved his professional record to 5-0 with the victory, showcased his speed and power as he unleashed a devastating left, right combination to send Ibarra tumbling to the canvas, the referee showing no hesitation in stopping the contest.

For a 21-year-old naturally shouldering more pressure than most fighters at his age and level in the world, it was the perfect introduction to his home crowd.

"It's almost something you can't even dream about because it seems so unrealistic, but I couldn't work any harder for this fight," he said. "When you work that hard this kind of stuff happens.

"Being with Coach Manny throughout the week, being with Rich (Richard T. Slone) throughout the week, these two worked so perfectly together for this fight and I had a feeling this would be something special."

Ali, who is approaching his graduation from the University of Nevada, joked after his fight he had a business assignment due the following day.

Trainer Slone was quick to point out that he had just handled business.

"It's really amazing and I'm just so