NaijNaira
Lawmakers are pushing a major change in boxing through a new bill called the Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act, designed to change how the sport operates and protects its athletes, www.naijnaira.com reports.
The bill, introduced by Representatives Brian Jack and Sharice Davids, proposes the creation of Unified Boxing Organizations (UBOs) that would let promoters manage rankings and championship titles—similar to the UFC system. According to MMAFighting.com, this would remove restrictions set by the original 2000 Muhammad Ali Act, which blocked promoters from controlling both rankings and events.
TKO Group Holdings, the UFC’s parent company recently expanding into boxing with Saudi partners, has publicly supported the legislation. The bill would require a minimum payout of $150 per round and a baseline of $25,000 in medical coverage for injuries sustained during fights. Fighters with signed contracts would also receive health insurance for training injuries and access to training and recovery centers. These UBOs would have the authority to manage their own anti-doping rules.
Sharice Davids said, “This bipartisan bill is about giving professional boxers the protections, opportunities, and freedom of choice they deserve.”
Michael Mazzulli added, “This new legislation…will mitigate the exploitation of the debut fighter and of all professional fighters.”
