Sona Akale vs. Nico Ali Walsh: Live round-by-round updates

Nico Ali Walsh is gearing up to overturn the only loss on his professional record when he takes on Sona Akale at the James L. Knight Center in Miami.

Ali Walsh suffered his first professional defeat when the pair locked horns in August 2023. The 23-year-old lost the closely contested fight via majority decision. They cross paths again on the undercard of Teofimo Lopez's WBO super-lightweight title showdown with Steve Claggett.

Ali Walsh went on to win two fights following the loss and now seeks inspiration from the legacy of his grandfather Muhammad Ali to steer him to a vindicating victory.

Follow Sportskeeda for live play-by-play updates of the clash.

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Sona Akale vs. Nico Ali Walsh: Live round-by-round updates

Round 1

Both fighters in the orthodox stance meet in the center of the ring. They test each other with jabs and punches on the inside. Ali Walsh is investing early in the counter right above Akale's jab. Ali Walsh is finding success in close range while Akale seems content with scoring from the outside with body jabs. Ali Walsh seems to be landing the bigger punches and the right hand has been crisp. A solid first round from the boxers.

Round 2

Akale opens the round with a body jab but invites a quick fiery exchange. Ali Walsh now building momentum with short punches to the breadbasket. The punches have more wind and purpose in them now. Ali Walsh has displayed maturity in exchanges while Akale is finding it a bit difficult to let his follow-up punches go.

Round 3

'The Legend Lives On' is working with the Philly shell defensive system but Akale is swinging heavy. Midway through the round, Ali Walsh found success with the left to the body and the right following up on target. Thirty seconds left and the fight gets interesting with both fighters engaging in a fiery exchange. Ali Walsh lands a knockdown with a crisp left hook down the stretch as the round ends with both fighters exchanging words.

Round 4

Ali Walsh's maturity has been on full display in the fight. He's now circling his opponent, recognizing that he's scoring well on the scorecards. Meanwhile, Akale wants to make this a firefight, inviting a punch-for-punch exchange whenever he gets in range. Akale has been the busier fighter in the round, landing the stronger blows and getting the better of the exchanges.

Round 5

Akale pours pressure early on with a stinging right hand and a flurry of follow-up punches. Ali Walsh's momentum seems to have worn down. Midway through the round, he looks at Akale and invites a short exchange. This has been a competitive fight so far. Akale starts battering Ali Walsh with 30 seconds left in the round. The 23-year-old is barely surviving with Akale swinging heavy and scoring big on the scorecards. A solid round for the Minnesota native. On to the final round now.

Round 6

Ali Walsh got clipped multiple times in the previous round but stamps his foot to perhaps get things going. Ali Walsh seems to be struggling with his left shoulder and is forced to oscillate between stance changes. Fatigue has taken over the contest. Ali Walsh displays formidable tenacity in powering through the round while Akale fails to capitalize on his seeming advantage.

The judges scored the bout 58-55, 57-56, 57-56 in favor of Nico Ali Walsh.