A substantial modification to the 1996 Professional Boxing Safety Act is being proposed via a fresh bipartisan legislative initiative in Congress, potentially paving the way for a promotional approach akin to the UFC within the realm of boxing.
The Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act, which garnered support from the Association of Boxing Commissions, was unveiled on Wednesday by U.S. representatives Brian Jack (R-GA-03) and Sharice Davids (D-KS-03). Davids, a former MMA combatant, was elected to represent the state of Kansas in Congress back in 2019.
According to the suggested legislation, the update to the Professional Boxing Safety Act of 1996 would permit the establishment of United Boxing Organizations (UBO), which would function as an alternative to the existing sanctioning organizations such as the WBA, WBC, and IBF.
The proposed bill would empower UBOs to operate similarly to the UFC in the domain of MMA. The subsequent text elucidates how UBOs would differ from the conventional boxing structure.
“Unified Boxing Organization … denotes an association, a league, or a centralized industry organization in the private sector that organizes a professional boxing match in a system in which a boxer under contract with such association, league or centralized industry organization competes against another such boxer pursuant to unified rules and without reliance on a sanctioning organization operating independently of such association, league or centralized industry organization, implements a system for title belts and ranking for boxers under contract with such association, league or centralized industry organization.”
A UBO could promote events, uphold rankings, and distribute UBO-specific title belts, mirroring the UFC’s operations in MMA.
“As a former MMA fighter, I know firsthand the physical and financial risks that come with stepping into the ring,” Congresswoman Davids stated. “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.”
Beyond the creation of UBOs, the proposed amendment would also institute a minimum per-round payment of $150 for boxers. While this may seem modest, many states lack a minimum requirement, enabling promoters to pay at their discretion, often affecting boxers early in their careers.
A portion of the bill also mandates enhanced insurance coverage for fighters.
However, the primary thrust of the bill centers on establishing UBOs, which is promoted as a means to incorporate new “health and safety protections,” as well as “comprehensive anti-doping testing programs” and “strict anti-betting policies.” According to the bill, UBOs “would not charge boxers any fees for placement in the rankings or the right to participate in championship matches.”
“The Association of Boxing Commissions Board of Directors is in unanimous support of the new Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act,” Michael Mazzulli, president of the Association of Boxing Commissions, stated in a release. “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.”
Although the Muhammad Ali Act, enacted in 2000, would remain unchanged, comprehensive revisions to the government’s oversight of boxing have been underway, particularly after TKO Group Holdings, the parent company of the UFC, declared intentions to engage in the sport of boxing. TKO Boxing recently secured a promoter’s license in Nevada on Wednesday, with plans to launch with the upcoming Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford fight in September.
Zuffa Boxing, the entity operating under TKO Boxing, receives financial backing from Saudi Arabia and the General Entertainment Fund, led by Turki Alalshikh.
If the bill successfully passes through Congress, it would then be presented to President Donald Trump for approval.
