De La Hoya opposes Ali Act changes as Senate hears testimony

Oscar De La Hoya told a Senate committee Wednesday that proposed changes to the Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act would put corporate profits ahead of fighters and mirror the UFC's closed system.

De La Hoya testified before the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee alongside TKO executive Nick Khan, Muhammad Ali's grandson Nico Ali Walsh, and Association of Boxing Commissions president Timothy Shipman, according to The Ring. The House passed TKO-backed legislation in March that would create Unified Boxing Organizations with standardized rules, including a $200 per round minimum, $50,000 injury coverage, and six-year contract limits.

Golden Boy founder warns against centralized control

De La Hoya said the amendments allow a promoter to function as both promoter and governing body, controlling rankings and title access while avoiding the transparency requirements traditional promoters face. "This is a fundamental shift in power, that if changed, would put corporate profits first, fighters second," he told the committee, per The Ring. "We should be clear about who benefits from this. These changes align directly with what Zuffa Boxing and its leadership at TKO Group Holdings have already said they intend to build in boxing, a model similar to the UFC."

Khan defended the bill as an optional framework that gives boxers freedom to choose between the current system and UBOs that can enforce consistent standards. He framed TKO as the startup challenging sanctioning bodies whose business model charges fighters for championship recognition. Ali Walsh sided with De La Hoya, saying the House version concentrates control and betrays the principles his grandfather fought for. "If this bill is passed in its current form, it should not have my grandfather's name on it," he said.

Senator Ted Cruz indicated the Senate version may differ from what the House approved by voice vote last month.

Source: ringmagazine.com