The controversial Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act, H.R.4634, moved one step closer to becoming law on Wednesday after advancing out of the U.S. House Education and Workforce committee by a 30-4 vote, following a markup session that saw the addition of multiple key amendments.
The TKO-backed piece of legislation, initially introduced in July by two members of Congress — U.S. Reps. Brian Jack, R-Ga., and Sharice Davids, D-Kan. — would allow for the creation of Unified Boxing Organizations (UBOs). UBOs would be able to operate similarly to another TKO product, the UFC, in that they could run their own rankings systems within boxing, award UBO titles and organize events under the banner, effectively removing the separation between the promoter and the sanctioning body.
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The bill was endorsed by the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) in October after a unanimous CSAC vote in support of the legislation. Prior to that, an extended session of CSAC public comment saw the act nearly unanimously criticized by fighters and figures within the combat sports space, with concern voiced about the monopolizing power it could hand Zuffa Boxing — the promotional group formed this past March by TKO executives UFC CEO Dana White and WWE president Nick Khan, as well as Saudi Arabian fight financier Turki Alalshikh.
Now, just two days before Zuffa’s first official boxing event on Jan. 23 as part of a new multi-year agreement with Paramount, their proposed legislation has passed yet another barrier.
Several key amendments were adopted by the committee Wednesday, with many of them strengthening fighter protections and addressing fears of TKO’s ability to use coercive contracts.
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“The bill is designed to give boxers more options, better pay, and stronger safety protections, while encouraging the growth and modernization of this historic sport,” committee Chairman and Republican Rep. Tim Walberg said.
Rep. Bobby Scott, D-Va., was a vocal critic of the bill. He noted that the legislation grants UBOs exemptions from coercive contracts and other protections. Scott cautioned that boxing’s decentralized nature exists in part to “protect fighters’ economic interests” and that the bill would allow TKO to “dominate professional boxing,” incorporating the exploitative business practices and monopoly power that they have in the UFC in boxing.
Among the most significant changes to combat those criticisms was an amendment suggested by Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., that would introduce a free-agency window for boxers, allowing fighters to communicate with rival UBOs or promoters during the final 30 days of their contracts. The amendment caps UBO contracts at a maximum of six years, effectively banning unduly long contracts or career-spanning agreements.
The amendment also requires UBOs to either arrange at least one fight for contracted boxers every six months or provide guaranteed compensation of at least $2,000 per month, which theoretically stops promoters from being able to bench fighters. The amendment additionally raises the proposed federal minimum wage for professional boxers from $150 per round to $200 per round.
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A safety-focused amendment requiring a baseline of two ambulances and two doctors to be continuously present at professional boxing events was also adopted. Andy Harris, R-Md., said the measures would align the bill with state law and existing industry practice.
Additional amendments increased mandatory insurance coverage for boxers from the proposed $25,000 to $50,000, adding $15,000 for accidental death coverage for any fatality arising from a boxing match. More explicit anti-doping requirements were also amended into the bill, notably that 50% of boxers on shows must be randomly drug-tested.
There is a fear that these safety-focused provisions, which would apply to all boxing events, would make the organization of non-televised club shows virtually impossible.
The markup was attended by Lonnie Ali, the widow of Muhammad Ali, who has previously voiced her support for the Ali Revival Act.
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With the bill now advancing out of committee, it will move to the full House of Representatives for debate and a floor vote, where it would need a simple majority to pass.
Scott recommended — and the committee agreed — that more adjustments can be made to the bill before the floor vote.