The story of Nico Ali Walsh's parents, Rasheda Ali and Bob Walsh

The story of Nico Ali Walsh's parents, Rasheda Ali and Bob Walsh

Nico Ali Walsh's parents are Rasheda Ali and Bob Walsh. Rasheda Ali is the daughter of boxing legend Muhammad Ali and Khalilah Ali. On the other hand, Robert Walsh served as a US Marine before retiring. Their lives, however, are defined by far more than these titles.

Nico's parents attend the celebration of life and memorial service at The Modern Showrooms (L). Nico before fighting Danny Rosenberger (R).
Nico's parents attend the celebration of life and memorial service at The Modern Showrooms (L). Nico before fighting Danny Rosenberger (R). Photo: Gabe Ginsberg/Sarah Stier (Modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Key takeaways

  • Nico Ali Walsh’s parents are Rasheda Ali, daughter of boxing legend Muhammad Ali, and Robert Anthony “Bob” Walsh, a retired US Marine and accomplished chef.
  • Rasheda Ali is an author, actress, and advocate best known for her work raising awareness about Parkinson’s disease.
  • Bob Walsh has built a successful culinary career, owning several popular restaurants such as Biaggio’s Italian Restaurant.
  • Nico was raised in Chicago’s South Side before moving to Las Vegas to pursue boxing.

Nico Ali Walsh's parents

Nico Ali Walsh’s father is Robert Anthony “Bob” Walsh, and his mother is Rasheda Ali. He grew up in Chicago’s South Side. His parents raised him before he relocated to Las Vegas to pursue boxing full-time. Both have played a key role in shaping his journey as a professional fighter.

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Nico Ali Walsh's father

Robert Anthony “Bob” Walsh was born in October 1957 in Chicago, Illinois. He grew up on the city’s South Side together with his family. His parents were business owners who ran a family restaurant. This setting sparked his passion for cooking and set him on a culinary path.

After finishing high school in Wisconsin, Walsh served in the United States Marine Corps and is recognised as a U.S. Army veteran. He returned to Chicago to work in the family restaurant after his service ended. He later joined the American Culinary Federation as an apprentice. His skills got him jobs in respected Chicago venues like Rosebud Restaurant and Jilly’s Steakhouse.

Nico Ali Walsh's parents
Nico Ali Walsh's parents. Photo: The Sun (Modified by author)
Source: Instagram

Rasheda Ali Walsh's husband eventually moved to Florida to work as an executive chef before returning to Illinois to open his own place. He later launched Biaggio’s Italian Restaurant in Palos Hills in 2000. The menu featured family favourites such as their original meatball recipe, gnocchi, and chicken Vesuvio.

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This investment proved successful thanks to its homely atmosphere and authentic dishes. It went on to draw a loyal crowd from in and out of the state. This included Nico Ali Walsh's grandfather, Muhammad Ali himself. Over time, the family expanded into ventures like Biaggio’s Little Italy and Biaggio’s Italian Bistro. 

Nico Ali Walsh's mom

Rasheda Ali was born in 1970. She is the daughter of boxing legend Muhammad Ali and his second wife, Belinda Boyd. Belinda is also known as Khalilah Ali. Rasheda studied at the University of Illinois, where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Communication. 

Rasheda is one of Muhammad Ali’s twin daughters. She grew up in a family shaped by the legacy of one of history’s most influential sports and civil rights figures.

Rasheda has built a successful career as an author, speaker, actress and advocate. She is widely recognised for her work in raising awareness about Parkinson’s disease. This cause is close to her heart because of her father’s long battle with the illness. Her advocacy has brought her to major platforms with appearances on Dateline, Good Morning America, CNN and other outlets.

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Rasheda has also appeared on-screen in several films and TV series. She created, wrote and hosted the Las Vegas-based entertainment talk show In My Corner with Rasheda Ali. As a long-standing member of SAG-AFTRA, she has worked on numerous entertainment projects.

Bob Walsh and Rasheda Ali’s marriage

Bob Walsh and Rasheda Ali got married in June 1997. They have two sons, Nico Ali Walsh and Biaggio Ali Walsh. The couple have raised them with strong values shaped by their diverse backgrounds. 

Rasheda Ali-Walsh (C) is flanked by her sons Biaggio Ali-Walsh (L) and Nico Ali-Walsh (R) as she accepts a Caesars Palace Icon Award for her father, the late Muhammad Ali
Rasheda Ali-Walsh (C) is flanked by her sons Biaggio Ali-Walsh (L) and Nico Ali-Walsh (R) as she accepts a Caesars Palace Icon Award for the late Muhammad Ali. Photo: Ethan Miller (Modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

Bob Walsh and Rasheda Ali first met when Rasheda was working as a hostess. Bob was already an executive chef. What began as a work encounter grew into a partnership that has supported both their family and careers.

Are Nico Ali Walsh's parents muslim?

No, they are not. Only his mother is. Rasheda Ali followed Islam as the daughter of Muhammad Ali, who had converted to Islam during his career. 

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Nico’s father is Caucasian and not Muslim. Nico embraces both Islam and Christianity.

When did Nico Ali Walsh make his professional debut?

Nico Ali Walsh made his professional debut on August 14, 2021, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He went on to win the highly anticipated fight against Jordan Weeks in four rounds. 

Like much in the Ali family, the night carried extra meaning. His planned fight shorts did not arrive in time. He had no option but to wear a treasured pair once used by his grandfather. The shorts had been passed down to him as an heirloom.

FAQs about Nico Ali Walsh's parents

  1. Is Nico Ali Walsh Muhammad Ali's son? No, Nico Ali Walsh is not Muhammad Ali's son. He is Muhammad Ali’s grandson, through his mother, Rasheda Ali.
  2. Who are Nico Ali Walsh's parents? Nico Ali Walsh’s parents are Rasheda Ali and Robert Anthony “Bob” Walsh.
  3. What does Nico Ali Walsh’s father do? Nico Ali Walsh’s father, Robert Anthony “Bob” Walsh, is a retired US Marine and an executive chef who has owned several successful restaurants.
  4. What is Rasheda Ali known for? Rasheda Ali is known for being an author, speaker, actress, and advocate.
  5. Are Nico Ali Walsh’s parents Muslim? No, Nico Ali Walsh’s parents are not both Muslim. Only his mother, Rasheda Ali, follows Islam, while his father is not Muslim.
  6. Where did Nico Ali Walsh’s parents raise Nico Ali Walsh? Nico Ali Walsh’s parents raised Nico Ali Walsh in Chicago’s South Side before moving to Las Vegas to pursue boxing full-time.
  7. Does Nico Ali Walsh have siblings? Yes, Nico Ali Walsh has one sibling, his older brother, Biaggio Ali Walsh.

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Final word

The story of Nico Ali Walsh’s parents is one of rich heritage and cultural diversity. Rasheda, the daughter of Muhammad Ali, has carried forward her father’s legacy through advocacy, media, and public speaking. At the same time, Bob has built a respected culinary career as a chef and restaurateur. They have raised Nico with values that blend both their backgrounds. 

Tuko.co.ke also published an article about Carson Beck’s parents. The article looks into Chris and Tracy Beck’s lives. It also reveals the fascinating mix of military discipline and performance flair that shaped the Georgia Bulldogs quarterback’s journey. 

Want to take an inside look at his personal life? Read on to discover information about  Carson’s younger sister. You will also gain insight into her achievements in dance, cheerleading, and beauty pageants.

Proofreading by Masolo Mabonga, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.

Source: TUKO.co.ke

Authors:
Nicholas Nganga avatar

Nicholas Nganga (Lifestyle writer) Nicholas joined Tuko in 2024 as a content creator, bringing four years of experience in digital storytelling. He previously held other editorial and journalism positions, including news and articles editing role at FW Africa and a Food Science Writer at PressPublish. He specializes in celebrity biographies, fashion, lifestyle, gaming, and beyond. In 2022, Nick graduated from the Jomo Kenyatta University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biotechnology. You can reach him via email: muginicholas5@gmail.com.

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