De La Hoya, Ali's Grandson Oppose Ali Act Changes at Senate Hearing

Oscar De La Hoya and Muhammad Ali's grandson Nico Ali Walsh opposed proposed changes to the Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act during a Senate Commerce hearing Wednesday, warning the amendments would concentrate power in corporate hands at fighters' expense.

De La Hoya, the Golden Boy Promotions founder, told the committee the bill would allow promoters to create entities controlling rankings, titles, and access while traditional promoters remain bound by disclosure requirements. "This is a fundamental shift in power that if changed would put corporate profits first, fighters second," he said, per The Ring. "We already know what the model looks like and it does not work for the fighters."

Nick Khan Defends Zuffa-Backed Protections

TKO Group executive Nick Khan, whose Zuffa Boxing operation backs the amendments, countered that the bill offers fighters an alternative system with $200 per round minimum pay, $50,000 injury insurance starting in training camp, six-year contract caps, and standardized medical protocols including annual brain and cardiac testing. "This is an 'or' option," Khan said. "If they like the current system with the promoters and sanctioning bodies, sign up. If you think we're a better option, sign up with us and see how it works out for you."

Ali Walsh, a middleweight contender, said the legislation 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, as it would betray the principles that this act was created to protect," he told senators. "Fighters should not have to choose between their careers and their rights."

The House passed the bill by voice vote in March after the Education and Workforce Committee approved it 30-4 in January. Timothy Shipman, representing the Association of Boxing Commissions, supported the enhancements during Wednesday's testimony. Senate deliberations continue with no vote scheduled.

Source: ringmagazine.com