Congress Weighs Muhammad Ali Boxing Revival Act

Congress is moving forward with federal boxing legislation that supporters say would raise fighter pay and strengthen health protections but critics warn could hand unprecedented control to major promoters.

The Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act passed the House by voice vote in March and reached the Senate on July 30, ESPN reports. The bill would create unified boxing organizations as alternative regulatory structures, extend contract negotiation windows to 90 days, and mandate health insurance and medical testing. Mike Tyson backed the measure in December, citing insurance requirements and claiming some promoters exploit loopholes to dominate fighters.

Senate Version Adds Safeguards After Backlash

The Senate bill tweaked the House framework after an April Commerce Committee hearing where Oscar De La Hoya and Nico Ali Walsh, grandson of Muhammad Ali, raised concerns about power concentration. Ali Walsh told the panel the House version "would undermine that principle by allowing one entity to operate across promotion, management and matchmaking." The Senate draft now caps a fighter's first professional contract with a unified organization at three years and allows access to training facilities near a boxer's home rather than only at organization-run gyms.

Sen. Jacky Rosen, who co-sponsored the legislation with Ted Cruz, told ESPN the goal is uniform standards across promoters and agencies. USA Boxing withdrew its support last month and shifted to a neutral stance, while the California State Athletic Commission voted unanimously in favor despite opposition at public hearings.

The Commerce Committee markup is the next step before a full Senate vote.

Source: espn.com