New Muhammad Ali Bill Shakes Up Boxing Industry

A new proposed bill called the Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act aims to shake up the boxing industry and how it is governed. 

The proposal comes from Representatives Brian Jack and Sharice Davids, as the bill calls for the establishment of “Unified Boxing Organisations” (UBOs). These organizations would allow promoters to have their own rankings and belts. This would operate similarly to how the UFC works. The move would do away with the 2000 Muhammad Ali Act, which prevented such controls for promoters.

TKO Group Holdings, who recently entered boxing by working with the Saudis, have endorsed this bill. Under the bill, the Unified Boxing Organizations must pay fighters a minimum of $150 per round. It must also offer at least $25,000 in coverage for fight-related injuries. Any boxers under a contract would get health insurance for training injuries and gain access to training and rehabilitation facilities. The Unified Boxing Organizations could also set up their own anti-doping programs. The bill has naturally raised a strong reaction, with many differing viewpoints. 

Reaction

“As a former MMA fighter, I know firsthand the physical and financial risks that come with stepping into the ring. This bipartisan bill is about giving professional boxers the protections, opportunities, and freedom of choice they deserve. I’m proud to work across the aisle to help strengthen the future of American boxing and ensure athletes are treated fairly and safely,” Sharice Davids 

“The Association of Boxing Commissions Board of Directors is in unanimous support of the new Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act. This new legislation provides much-needed updates to the Professional Boxing Safety Act of 1996 by enhancing the medical standards that protect boxers, establishing a national minimum payment per round, and defining national minimum health insurance requirements. This bill will mitigate the exploitation of the debut fighter and of all professional fighters that participate in the sweet science of pugilism,” Michael Mazzulli (president of the Association of Boxing Commissions)