New Law Seeks to Revitalize Boxing in the United States
A bipartisan bill, designed to update federal regulations related to professional boxing, has been introduced in the United States Congress. Representatives Brian Jack (Republican from Georgia) and Sharice Davids (Democrat from Kansas) are the driving forces behind this legislative initiative, called the “Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act.” The bill seeks to incorporate various modifications to the Professional Boxing Safety Act of 1996, as well as allow for the creation of Unified Boxing Organizations (UBOs), as an alternative to the sanctioning bodies that currently oversee boxing. The proposed UBO system would establish a national minimum compensation of $150 per bout for professional boxers, as well as more rigorous minimum standards in health insurance and anti-doping programs. Currently, the minimums in these areas are non-existent or are established by the states individually.Boxing is the only professional sport regulated by Congress. If the bill passes, it would mark the first significant update to federal law on the sport since the Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act of 2000. Jack is a lifelong boxing fan, while Davids is a former professional mixed martial artist. The bill is also backed by the Association of Boxing Commissions (ABC) and Lonnie Ali, wife of the late Muhammad Ali. It would not replace the current system of sanctioning bodies, but would introduce a new system with the possibility of multiple UBOs joining the industry. One of these UBOs could include Zuffa Boxing. In March, Turki Alalshikh, chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, announced the creation of a new boxing company in partnership with TKO Group Holdings, owner of UFC and WWE. The company is led by UFC CEO Dana White and will organize its first major event with Canelo Álvarez and Terence Crawford in September. The legislation will likely be referred to the House Energy and Commerce Committee, as were its predecessors in 1996 and 2000, and will eventually be put to a vote in the House of Representatives. If passed, it will be sent to the United States Senate.For me, boxing is dying in the United States. Every metric confirms that it is in constant decline. Pay-per-view numbers have decreased, HBO and Showtime have abandoned the sport. ESPN’s deal with Top Rank Promotions expires in August. The ambiguity of current regulations has curbed investments in the United States and we are proposing a bipartisan solution.
Brian Jack, Representative
