Congressman Brian Jack and Congresswoman Sharice Davids Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Provide Professional Boxers More Opportunities, Better Pay, and Greater Safety Protections

The Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act (H.R. 4624) is endorsed by the Association of Boxing Commissions and Lonnie Ali

Today, U.S. Representative Brian Jack (R-GA-03) and U.S. Representative Sharice Davids (D-KS-03) introduced the Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act (H.R. 4624).  This bipartisan legislation, endorsed by the Association of Boxing Commissions and Lonnie Ali, wife of the late boxing legend and co-founder of The Muhammad Ali Center, provides professional boxers with more career opportunities, better pay, and greater safety protections.

This new bill preserves the Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act (the “Ali Act”) that was codified in 2000 and enhances the Professional Boxing Safety Act of 1996 by adding supplemental provisions to improve the safety and well-being of boxers.

The legislation also seeks to resolve ambiguity in existing law by providing regulatory certainty that encourages innovation to reverse the steady decline in popularity and stature of professional boxing, which once represented the pinnacle of American sports prowess.

These new provisions allow for the creation of alternative systems called Unified Boxing Organizations (UBOs), which would provide boxers with better health and safety protections, greater compensation, and more choice and opportunities. 

“I am incredibly proud to introduce the bipartisan Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act, which provides boxers with more opportunities, better pay, and greater safety standards,” said Congressman Brian Jack.  “Professional boxing is the only sport regulated by Congress, and ambiguity in current law — adopted over a quarter-century ago — has stifled investment. Congressional action is needed to revive this once-great American sport, and this bipartisan legislation establishes a framework for innovation to flourish.”

“As a former MMA fighter, I know firsthand the physical and financial risks that come with stepping into the ring,” said Congresswoman Sharice Davids.  “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.”

Lonnie Ali added, “The sport of boxing provided a pathway for Muhammad to become a global sports and cultural icon.  Boxing elevated his public platform and gave voice to his fight for civil rights.  If Muhammad was with us today, he would want to ensure the sport of boxing in America remained strong and viable for generations to come, providing opportunities for other athletes to pursue their goals and dreams, just like he did.  Given its enhanced protections for boxers, I believe Muhammad would be proud to have his name associated with this bill.”

“The Association of Boxing Commissions Board of Directors is in unanimous support of the new Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act,” said Michael Mazzulli, President of the Association of Boxing Commissions.  “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.”

Under the Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act (H.R. 4624), UBOs would not replace the current sanctioning organizations.  Instead, UBOs would exist side-by-side and operate independently, with UBO events regulated by state athletic commissions.

Boxers would have the freedom to choose which of the two systems – the existing sanctioning organizations model or the new UBO model – is most advantageous to them.

 This legislation represents the first update to boxing in a quarter-century and will revive a once-great American sport.

Link to the text of the Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act (H.R. 4624): jack.house.gov/maabra

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 Key Highlights of the Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act

• This legislation allows for the creation of alternative systems called Unified Boxing Organizations (UBOs) that would provide professional boxers more opportunities, better pay, and greater health and safety protections. 
   
• The UBO system would not replace the current structure involving sanctioning organizations. UBOs would be a separate, parallel system that would produce more events and give professional boxers additional choice and opportunities to compete.
   
• Boxers would have the freedom to choose which of the two systems – the sanctioning organizations model or the UBO model – is best for them.
   
• This bill establishes a national minimum payment per round for all professional boxers ($150 per round), which prevents up-and-coming fighters from being exploited. Uniform standards are needed, as six states have minimums less than $150 per round, while most states have no minimum at all.
   
• If this legislation is enacted, all professional boxers would have access to better health insurance, including a first-time national minimum of $25,000 of coverage for injuries sustained during a bout – higher than the current minimum in 43 states.
   
• UBO boxers would benefit from additional health and safety protections, including enhanced comprehensive medical exams; more licensed physicians and ambulance units present at each event; and health coverage for injuries sustained during training for a bout.
   
• UBOs would have comprehensive anti-doping testing programs that would ensure no boxer has an unfair advantage over his or her opponent.
   
• UBOs would also enact strict anti-betting policies to safeguard the integrity of competition.
   
• UBOs would not charge boxers any fees for placement in the rankings or the right to participate in championship matches.
   
• This legislation is endorsed by the Association of Boxing Commissions and Lonnie Ali, wife of the late boxing legend and co-founder of The Muhammad Ali Center.