Nico Ali Walsh Reveals Shoulder Surgery After Akale Rematch

Nico Ali Walsh revealed on October 14 that he needed surgery days after the fight because his shoulder tore almost completely off the bone. Walsh responded to footage shared on October 13 showing the injury he suffered against Sona Akale during their June 29, 2024 rematch. Walsh secured revenge over Akale, who was the first man to beat him as a professional, by making it to the final bell despite the injury. “I needed surgery days after. My shoulder tore almost completely off the bone,” Walsh said.

Nico Ali Walsh dropped Sona Akale with a left hook in the third round of their rematch before suffering the shoulder injury in the final session. The footage shows Walsh trying to force his left shoulder back into position during the sixth and final round while Akale continued to throw punches. The judges awarded Walsh a unanimous decision over Akale by scores of 58-55 and 57-56 twice. “This was my toughest fight, thank you for the edit,” Walsh said. Walsh had lost a majority decision to Akale in August 2023. The two met again in Miami ten months after their first fight, with Walsh determined to put the result right.

Walsh needed medical attention backstage to have his shoulder put back into place after fighting through the injury. The dislocation involved a torn labrum, leaving Walsh with damage that went far beyond what was visible during the fight.

Walsh has suffered two further defeats since his victory over Akale, most recently against Treavon Craycraft at Memorial Hall in Kansas City, Kansas, on October 10.

What are your thoughts on Nico Ali Walsh’s shoulder injury and his two defeats since the Sona Akale rematch?