[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 55 (Tuesday, March 24, 2026)]
[House]
[Pages H2641-H2647]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
MUHAMMAD ALI AMERICAN BOXING REVIVAL ACT OF 2026
Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the
bill (H.R. 4624) to amend the Professional Boxing Safety Act of 1996 to
establish requirements for unified boxing organizations, to further
enhance the well-being of professional boxers, and for other purposes,
as amended.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The text of the bill is as follows:
H.R. 4624
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Muhammad Ali American Boxing
Revival Act of 2026''.
SEC. 2. PURPOSES.
The purposes of this Act are--
(1) to provide increased choice and opportunity to
professional boxers by allowing a professional boxer to
choose to participate in the alternative system offered by a
unified boxing organization; and
(2) to further enhance safety precautions that protect the
well-being of professional boxers.
SEC. 3. UNIFIED BOXING ORGANIZATIONS.
(a) In General.--The Professional Boxing Safety Act of 1996
(15 U.S.C. 6301 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``SEC. 24. UNIFIED BOXING ORGANIZATIONS.
``(a) Alternative System for Compliance With the
Requirements of This Act.--A unified boxing organization (in
this section referred to as a `UBO') shall be deemed to be in
compliance with the requirements of this Act if the UBO meets
the requirements of section 5 and the conditions of this
section with respect to--
``(1) each boxer under contract with the UBO; and
``(2) each professional boxing match organized by the UBO
(in this section referred to as a `covered match').
``(b) Safety and Industry Standards; Medical
Examinations.--
``(1) In general.--A condition of this section is that a
UBO meets the requirements of paragraphs (2) and (3) of this
subsection, in addition to the requirements of section 5.
``(2) Special rule relating to knockouts.--In the case of a
boxer who suffers a knockout during a covered match, a UBO
shall require that (in addition to the examinations required
for such boxer pursuant to section 5(a)(1)(B)(iii)) the boxer
undergo the applicable examinations described in section
5(a)(1)(B)(iii) relating to brain health prior to
participating in the boxer's next covered match.
``(3) Supplemental physical examinations for boxers who are
40 years of age or older.--
``(A) In general.--A UBO shall ensure that a boxer who
participates in a covered match at the age of 40 or older
undergoes (in addition to the physical examinations required
pursuant to section 5(a)(1)(B)(iii) and paragraph (2) of this
subsection, as applicable) a supplemental physical
examination conducted by a licensed physician that affirms
the fitness of the boxer to safely participate in a covered
match.
``(B) Elements.--A supplemental physical examination under
subparagraph (A) shall include each of the following:
``(i) A chest X-ray.
``(ii) A comprehensive metabolic panel blood test.
``(iii) A urinalysis to measure the overall health
condition of the boxer.
``(C) Frequency.--The supplemental physical examination to
be conducted under subparagraph (A) shall occur at least
annually, except that the chest X-ray required under
subparagraph (B)(i) shall occur at least once every 6 years.
``(c) Provision of Medical Care During Matches.--
``(1) Ambulances.--A condition of this section is that a
UBO provides (in addition to the ambulance required to be
provided by such UBO pursuant to section 5(a)(2)) for at
least 1 additional ambulance to be continuously present on
site of a covered match.
``(2) Ringside presence.--
``(A) In general.--A condition of this section is that a
UBO provides (in addition to the licensed physician required
to be provided by such UBO pursuant to section 5(a)(3)) for
at least 1 additional licensed physician to be continuously
present at ringside during a covered match.
``(B) Certification requirement.--Beginning on the date
that is 2 years after the date of enactment of the Muhammad
Ali American Boxing Revival Act of 2026, each physician
required to be provided by a UBO shall have a certification
obtained through a certification program administered by the
Association of Boxing Commissions in partnership with the
Association of Ring-side Physicians (or any successor
organization).
``(d) Support Services for Boxers Under Contract With a
UBO.--A condition of this section is that, during the period
in which a boxer is under contract with a UBO, the UBO shall
ensure such boxer has each of the following:
``(1) Equipment and facilities for training and
rehabilitation.--The boxer has access to equipment and
facilities that are operated by the UBO for training and
rehabilitation.
``(2) Insurance policy.--In addition to the health
insurance provided to the boxer pursuant to section 5(a)(4),
the boxer has in effect an insurance policy that provides
medical coverage for any injury sustained by the boxer during
the period of training for a covered match.
``(3) Medical coordinator.--A medical coordinator is
assigned to the boxer to assist the boxer with satisfying
medical and licensing requirements related to the
participation of the boxer in a covered match.
``(e) Comprehensive Anti-doping Program.--
``(1) Requirement.--
``(A) In general.--A condition of this section is that a
UBO has in effect a comprehensive anti-doping program that
includes the testing and requirements related to such testing
under this subsection.
``(B) List of prohibited substances and penalties.--A UBO
shall, on an annual basis, publish, and make available to the
public, a list that identifies, with respect to the preceding
year--
``(i) each substance tested for under the comprehensive
anti-doping program of the UBO; and
``(ii) each penalty imposed on a boxer under paragraph (6).
``(2) In-competition testing.--
``(A) In general.--The UBO shall ensure that testing is
conducted, in accordance with paragraph (5), for at least
half the boxers participating in each covered match organized
by such UBO for an event.
``(B) Timing.--Testing required under subparagraph (A)
shall--
``(i) occur during the period beginning on the date of a
weigh-in for a covered match and ending on the date of the
match; and
``(ii) determine whether a boxer is positive or negative
for each substance prohibited by--
``(I) the boxing commission of the State in which the match
is held; or
``(II) in the case of a covered match held within a
reservation (as defined by section 21), the tribal
organization (as defined by section 21 and that meets the
requirements of section 21) regulating the match.
``(3) No-notice testing.--In addition to the testing
required under paragraph (2), during the period in which a
boxer is under contract with a UBO, the UBO may conduct
testing, with no advance notice to the boxer and in
accordance with paragraph (5), to determine whether such
boxer is positive or negative for each substance prohibited
by the UBO.
``(4) Substances prohibited by ubo.--The UBO shall prohibit
any substance described in section 7(a)(2)(C)(ii), except
that the UBO may elect to not test a boxer participating in a
covered match for any substance that is not prohibited by the
boxing commission of the State in which the match is being
held or the tribal organization described in paragraph
(2)(B)(ii)(II) that is regulating the match.
``(5) Administration of tests.--An independent third-party
shall conduct the testing under paragraphs (2) and (3), which
shall include--
``(A) carrying out each such test;
``(B) determining the result of each such test; and
``(C) reporting a positive result of such a test to--
``(i) the UBO concerned;
``(ii) the boxing commission of the State in which a
covered match is held or the tribal organization regulating
the match; and
``(iii) the Association of Boxing Commissions.
``(6) Penalties.--
``(A) In general.--A UBO shall implement any penalty
decided--
``(i) with respect to a positive test result related to the
testing conducted under paragraph (2), by--
``(I) the boxing commission of the State in which a covered
match is held or the tribal organization regulating the
match; or
[[Page H2642]]
``(II) the Association of Boxing Commissions; and
``(ii) with respect to a positive test result related to
the testing conducted under paragraph (3), by the independent
third-party conducting such testing.
``(B) Assessment for penalties.--In imposing a penalty on a
boxer for whom the independent third-party reports a positive
test result under paragraph (2) or (3), the boxing
commission, the Association of Boxing Commissions, or the
independent third-party described in subparagraph (A) shall
consider--
``(i) the seriousness of the positive test result in
relation to the participation of the boxer in a covered
match; and
``(ii) the degree to which the boxer is at fault for the
positive test result.
``(7) Contract requirement.--A UBO shall include in any
contract entered into between the UBO and a boxer regarding
participation in covered matches such terms and conditions as
may be necessary to require the boxer to submit to testing
under this subsection during the period of the contract.
``(f) Required Contract Provisions.--In addition to the
requirements described in subsection (e)(7), a contract
between a UBO and a boxer shall meet each of the following
requirements:
``(1) During the 30-day period ending on the last day of
such contract, the boxer may not be prohibited from
communicating with another UBO or a promoter.
``(2) Such contract shall--
``(A) specify the minimum payment that such boxer will
receive for participating in a round of a boxing match, which
shall be at least $200 per round; and
``(B)(i) arrange that such boxer fight in a minimum of 1
boxing match every 6 months; or
``(ii) ensure that such boxer is paid an amount that is not
less than 10 times the minimum payment for such boxer for 1
round as specified pursuant to subparagraph (A), except that
this clause shall not apply if an injury prevents the boxer
from fighting and the boxer is collecting insurance for such
injury pursuant to subsection (d)(2), or the boxer refuses or
is otherwise unable to fight for reasons beyond the control
of the UBO, including inability of the boxer to travel or the
boxer's failure to maintain relevant licensure.
``(3) Such contract may not exceed 6 years.
``(g) Boxing Conduct Policy.--
``(1) In general.--A condition of this section is that a
UBO implements and ensures compliance with a comprehensive
boxing conduct policy that prohibits a boxer, or any covered
individual, who is directly involved with or participates in
a covered match from--
``(A) placing a bet or wager, directly or through a third
party, on the match; and
``(B) sharing non-public information with a third party
that is material to the performance of a boxer participating
in the match or the outcome of the match for the purpose of
assisting the third party in placing a bet or wager on the
match.
``(2) Compliance.--A UBO shall implement and ensure
compliance with procedures for monitoring and enforcing
compliance with the boxing conduct policy implemented under
paragraph (1).
``(3) Covered individual defined.--In this subsection, the
term `covered individual' means, with respect to a boxer who
participates in a covered match, any of the following:
``(A) An adult living in the same household as the boxer.
``(B) A coach, manager, or athletic trainer of the boxer.
``(C) A physician or other medical professional who
provides services to the boxer.
``(D) An employee, officer, or director of the UBO
concerned.
``(E) An agent of any such person who is directly involved
with or participates in a covered match.
``(h) Conflicts of Interest.--A condition of this section
is that a UBO implements prohibitions against the officers or
employees of the UBO, or any representative of the UBO,
engaging in any of the following:
``(1) Any direct or indirect financial interest in the
management of a boxer in relation to the participation of the
boxer in a covered match.
``(2) Employment of, or making a payment to, a manager who
represents a boxer who participates in a covered match,
except--
``(A) when the boxer acts as the boxer's own manager; or
``(B) for any consideration paid by the UBO to the manager
under the contract between the manager and the boxer.
``(3) Receiving or requesting from a boxer the payment of a
fee related to--
``(A) the ranking of the boxer; and
``(B) the participation of the boxer in a covered match--
``(i) including any fee related to a boxer participating in
a covered match in which the boxer will be challenging a
champion or defending a championship, including any award;
and
``(ii) excluding any cost related to a boxer reimbursing a
UBO for reasonable expenses incurred by the UBO on behalf of
the boxer in relation to the participation of the boxer in a
covered match, including any medical expense and travel
expense.
``(i) Boxing Commissions.--
``(1) Prohibition.--A condition of this section is that a
covered match may not be held--
``(A) in a State without a boxing commission; or
``(B) within a reservation (as defined by section 21) under
the jurisdiction of a tribal organization (as defined by
section 21) that does not meet the requirements of section
21.
``(2) Judges and referees.--A condition of this section is
that a UBO meets the requirements of section 16.
``(j) Financial Responsibility.--
``(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), a condition of
this section is that a UBO is financially responsible for the
costs of meeting the requirements of section 5 and the
conditions of this section.
``(2) Cost of any deductible.-- The cost of any deductible
for any health insurance required to be provided by the UBO
for a boxer shall be the financial responsibility of the
boxer.
``(k) Federal Trade Commission Filing.--
``(1) In general.--A condition of this section is that, on
the date in which a UBO intends to claim status as a UBO for
purposes of this section, the UBO submits to the Federal
Trade Commission and to the Association of Boxing Commissions
information regarding the UBO, including the following:
``(A) The State in which the UBO is incorporated.
``(B) The business address of the UBO.
``(C) The website of the UBO.
``(2) Format; updates.--To meet the condition of this
subsection, the UBO shall--
``(A) provide the information described in paragraph (1)
in--
``(i) writing; and
``(ii) for any document greater than 2 pages in length,
electronic form; and
``(B) promptly notify the Federal Trade Commission of any
material change in the information submitted.
``(3) Federal trade commission to make information
available to public.--The Federal Trade Commission--
``(A) shall make information received under this subsection
available to the public; and
``(B) may assess the UBO a fee to offset the costs the
Commission incurs in processing the information and in making
the information available to the public.
``(4) Internet alternative.--In lieu of submitting the
information described in paragraph (1) to the Federal Trade
Commission, a UBO may provide the information to the public
by maintaining a website on the internet that meets the
following requirements:
``(A) Is readily accessible by the general public using
generally available search engines.
``(B) For full access to the information, does not require
a password or payment of a fee.
``(C) Contains the information described in paragraph (1)
in a format that is easy to search and use.
``(D) Is updated when there is a material change in the
information.
``(l) Relationship With State Law.--Nothing in this section
shall prohibit a State from adopting or enforcing
supplemental laws or regulations not inconsistent with this
section, or criminal, civil, or administrative fines for
violations of such laws or regulations.''.
(b) Enforcement.--Section 18(b) of the Professional Boxing
Safety Act of 1996 (15 U.S.C. 6309(b)) is amended by adding
at the end the following:
``(5) Unified boxing organizations.--Any officer or
employee of a unified boxing organization who willfully and
knowingly violates, or coerces or causes any other person to
violate, section 24 shall, upon conviction, be imprisoned for
not more than 1 year or fined not more than $20,000, or
both.''.
(c) Definitions.--Section 2 of the Professional Boxing
Safety Act of 1996 (15 U.S.C. 6301) is amended--
(1) by striking paragraph (7) and inserting the following:
``(7) Physician.--The term `physician' means a doctor of
medicine, with a degree of Doctor of Medicine or Doctor of
Osteopathic Medicine, who is legally authorized to practice
medicine by the State in which the physician performs such
function or action.''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(16) Unified boxing organization.--The term `unified
boxing organization' or `UBO' means an association, a league,
or a centralized industry organization in the private sector
that--
``(A) 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
``(B) 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.''.
SEC. 4. BOXING INDUSTRY STANDARDS.
(a) Boxer Safety and Industry Standards.--Section 5 of the
Professional Boxing Safety Act of 1996 (15 U.S.C. 6304) is
amended--
(1) in the section heading, by inserting ``and industry''
after ``safety'';
(2) in the matter preceding paragraph (1)--
(A) by striking ``No person'' and inserting the following:
[[Page H2643]]
``(a) Health and Safety of Boxers.--No person''; and
(B) by inserting ``, at a minimum,'' after ``that
provides'';
(3) in subsection (a), as so designated--
(A) by amending paragraph (1) to read as follows:
``(1) Physical examination.--
``(A) In general.--A physical examination of each boxer by
a physician certifying whether or not the boxer is physically
fit to safely compete, copies of which shall be provided to
the boxing commission by such physician.
``(B) Minimal medical requirements.--
``(i) In general.--A physician may certify as required
under subparagraph (A) only if the examinations described in
clause (iii) are conducted, which examinations shall be valid
only for the amount of time prior to a match indicated in
such table.
``(ii) Validity.--No examination shall be valid unless it
is conducted by a physician, in person, and includes a
written opinion that the result of such examination does not
contraindicate that a boxer is able to compete safely.
``(iii) Required examinations.--The examinations described
in this clause are those set forth in the following table:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
``Required examinations Validity
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Complete physical examination, including blood work 1 year
Dilated eye examination 1 year
Heart examinations (Electrocardiogram, and for a boxer aged 40 years or older, a stress test) 1 year
Antibody tests (Negative Human Immunodeficiency Virus antibody, Hepatitis B antigen, and Hepatitis 6 months
C antibody)
Brain health examinations (For a boxer aged 40 years or older, a magnetic resonance image (MRI) 1 year
scan and a magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) of the brain; for a boxer under age 40, an MRI of
the brain or neurologic examination conducted by a neurologist)
In the case of a female fighter, a pregnancy test 14 days'';
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(B) in paragraph (2)--
(i) by striking ``Except'' and inserting ``Ambulance;
equipment.--Except''; and
(ii) by striking ``an ambulance or medical personnel'' and
inserting ``an ambulance and medical personnel'';
(C) by amending paragraph (3) to read as follows:
``(3) Physician.--A physician continuously present at
ringside who, beginning on the date that is 2 years after the
date of enactment of the Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival
Act of 2026, shall have a certification obtained through a
certification program administered by the Association of
Boxing Commissions in partnership with the Association of
Ring-side Physicians, or any successor organization.''; and
(D) by amending paragraph (4) to read as follows:
``(4) Insurance.--For each boxer, health insurance that--
``(A) provides a minimum of $50,000 in medical coverage for
any injuries sustained in the match and $15,000 in accidental
death coverage for any fatality arising from such match; and
``(B) with respect to any premium, is not the financial
responsibility of the boxer.'';
(4) by adding after subsection (a), as designated by
paragraph (2) of this subsection, the following:
``(b) Minimum Payment to Boxers.--A promoter or unified
boxing organization shall pay a minimum of $200 to each boxer
for each round in a match in which the boxer participates.'';
and
(5) by adding at the end the following:
``(c) Simplification of Titles.--
``(1) Singular titles.--A sanctioning organization or
unified boxing organization shall award only 1 championship
title for each weight class.
``(2) Interim titles.--A sanctioning organization or
unified boxing organization may not award an interim
championship title except in the case of an injury or illness
to a reigning titleholder, refusal or inability by the
reigning title holder to defend his title, or for reasons
beyond the control of the boxer, including inability to
travel.''.
(b) Review.--Section 7 of the Professional Boxing Safety
Act of 1996 (15 U.S.C. 6306) is amended--
(1) subsection (a) is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``(5) Procedures to ensure that--
``(A) drug tests shall be administered--
``(i) for any title bout; and
``(ii) at random for all other bouts, provided that tests
are administered for not less than 50 percent of such other
bouts; and
``(B) such drug tests shall screen, at a minimum, for any
substance listed on the most current edition of `The World
Anti-Doping Code, The Prohibited List International Standard'
of the World Anti-Doping Agency, except that a boxing
commission may elect not to screen for such a substance if
the use of such substance is not prohibited by the State in
which the match is being held or the tribal organization (as
defined in section 21) that is regulating the match.''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(c) Consistent Standards.--It is the sense of Congress
that--
``(1) uneven development of standards and practices by
boxing commissions (including tribal organizations in
compliance with section 21) has enabled matches that would
not have been authorized by boxing commissions with robust
standards and practices, and that boxers have been seriously
injured or killed as a result;
``(2) the Association of Boxing Commissions (in this
subsection referred to as the `ABC'), in partnership with the
Association of Ringside Physicians, is well-positioned to
identify policies and practices most conducive to boxer
safety and wellbeing; and
``(3) the ABC should, accordingly, publish and maintain--
``(A) a model legislative and regulatory code for
professional boxing, derived from--
``(i) State policies that are most protective of boxers'
safety, health, wellbeing, and economic opportunity;
``(ii) rigorous sporting authority guidelines, such as the
USA Boxing protocols for medical suspension; and
``(iii) expert consensus statements from the Association of
Ringside Physicians and other sports medicine organizations;
``(B) best practices recommendations for oversight of
professional boxing and implementation of legal duties by
boxing commissions; and
``(C) an annual report card of boxing commission
conformance with such model codes and best practices.''.
(c) Judges and Referees.--Section 16 of the Professional
Boxing Safety Act of 1996 (15 U.S.C. 6307h) is amended to
read as follows:
``SEC. 16. JUDGES AND REFEREES.
``No person may arrange, promote, organize, produce, or
fight in a professional boxing match unless all referees and
judges participating in the match have been certified and
approved by--
``(1) the boxing commission responsible for regulating the
match in the State where the match is held; or
``(2) the Association of Boxing Commissions.''.
(d) Conflicts of Interest.--Section 17(c)(2)(A) of the
Professional Boxing Safety Act of 1996 (15 U.S.C.
6308(c)(2)(A)) is amended by striking ``or reasonable
expenses in connection therewith''.
(e) Technical Amendment.--Paragraphs (1) and (3) of section
21(a) of the Professional Boxing Safety Act of 1996 (15
U.S.C. 6312(a)) are amended by striking ``25 U.S.C. 450b''
and inserting ``25 U.S.C. 5304''.
SEC. 5. EFFECTIVE DATE AND APPLICATION.
The amendments made by this Act shall take effect on the
date of enactment of this Act, and shall apply with respect
to boxing matches that take place on or after the date that
is 30 days after such date of enactment.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
Michigan (Mr. Walberg) and the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Scott) each
will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Michigan.
General Leave
Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members
may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks
and include extraneous material on H.R. 4624.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from Michigan?
There was no objection.
Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ``float like a butterfly'' and ``sting
like a bee'' in support of H.R. 4624, the Muhammad Ali American Boxing
Revival Act of 2026.
For much of the 20th century, boxing stood at the heart of American
sports and culture. It gave us legends like Christy Martin, Joe Louis,
Sugar Ray Robinson, Jack Dempsey, and Muhammad Ali, but the sport today
looks very different.
For too long, professional boxing has operated under an outdated
patchwork of regulations that leaves fighters vulnerable to injury,
exploitation, and limited opportunity.
The Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act would bring the sport
into the modern era. This bipartisan legislation would create new
frameworks to
[[Page H2644]]
enhance safety standards, expand opportunities for fighters, and
restore integrity to the sport, revitalizing one of America's most
iconic sports.
This bipartisan bill would allow unified boxing organizations, UBOs,
to operate alongside existing sanctioning bodies. That means more
options for fighters and more choice in how they compete. For boxers
fighting within UBOs, the bill would strengthen health and safety
protections. The legislation also extends stronger safety protections
and increases wages for all professional boxers, whether they compete
inside or outside of a UBO.
In short, the bill gives boxers more choice, better pay, and stronger
safety protections, while encouraging the growth and modernization of
this historic sport.
Muhammad Ali, who was my constituent at one time, said this: ``Don't
count the days; make the days count.''
Today, we have the opportunity to make this day count for the
fighters who step into the ring, for the future of this sport, for the
integrity of the competition itself, and for the fans like me and
others who will experience a benefit from this bill.
For these reasons, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on H.R. 4624,
and I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4624, the Muhammad Ali
American Boxing Revival Act.
This bill amends the Federal law governing safety, transparency, and
integrity in professional boxing, the only professional sport that is
federally regulated.
The original law regulating boxing was enacted to end corrupt
promoters' abilities to corner the market by locking up top talent and
requiring any would-be challengers to surrender their promotional
rights or agree to new representation chosen by the promoter. Some
particularly powerful promoters allegedly even threatened or bribed
sanctioning organizations to manipulate their rankings.
Thanks to current law, those days are over. As a result of that law,
boxers at the top of the sport take home approximately 80 percent of
the revenue associated with a match.
The bill we are voting on today is the result of bipartisan work that
went into improving it. Specifically, Chairman Walberg, Workforce
Protections Subcommittee Ranking Member Omar, Representative Stevens,
and I came together, identified key issues, and made meaningful fixes
to strengthen the legislation. These changes were significant, and the
bill we are considering is much better than the version that was
introduced.
For example, we improved health and safety protections for fighters,
particularly when it comes to brain health, which is an important
priority, by adding additional neurological testing.
The bill now ensures that qualified ringside physicians are
available, strengthens emergency preparedness by requiring onsite
medical personnel, and expands pre-bout medical testing.
We also enhanced boxers' economic security. We increased minimum
insurance coverage for injuries, added accidental death coverage, and
raised the minimum compensation per round.
We also took steps to protect the integrity of the sport. The bill
now incorporates consistent antidoping standards, increases drug
testing, and begins to address the problem of too many championship
titles diluting competition.
We added protections for fighters under contract by limiting contract
length, ensuring opportunities to compete will be compensated, and
giving boxers a fair chance to pursue other opportunities.
These practical, bipartisan improvements are a significant win for
boxers' health and well-being, as well as their economic futures.
As the bill moves forward in the legislative process, the Senate can
and should build on the progress we have made in the House and continue
to improve this legislation before it becomes law.
For example, the Senate could ensure enforceability of the Boxing
Act's rights by prohibiting any contract between a boxer and a UBO or
boxing service provider, including clauses that bar class action
proceedings or mandates to bring disputes to private arbitration.
Mr. Speaker, I support the bill and thank the authors, Representative
Sharice Davids of Kansas and Brian Jack of Georgia, for their work on
this legislation.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from
Georgia (Mr. Jack), the author of this legislation.
Mr. JACK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my bipartisan
legislation, H.R. 4624, the Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act,
which I proudly authored and introduced with my colleague from Kansas
(Ms. Davids), a former professional mixed martial artist herself and a
leader in her Caucus.
Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman of the House Committee on Education
and Workforce, Tim Walberg; the ranking member, Bobby Scott; and the
distinguished members of the committee for considering and favorably
reporting my legislation with an overwhelmingly bipartisan vote.
Today, our House of Representatives has an opportunity to make
history by passing the first Federal boxing legislation in over a
quarter century.
Mr. Speaker, professional boxing in America has an incredibly rich
and storied history. It is a sport that demands courage, perseverance,
and determination from its champions, and its heroes have inspired
greatness, ignited dreams, and forged generations of memories and
tradition.
Mr. Speaker, 39 years before Jackie Robinson bravely broke barriers
in Major League Baseball, Jack Johnson, the Galveston Giant, reigned as
the first Black heavyweight champion of the world, from 1908 to 1915.
Decades before the New York Knicks were formed, thousands of spectators
crammed into Madison Square Garden to see Jack Dempsey fight.
Many of you may recall storied bouts during boxing's golden era, like
Leon Spinks versus Muhammad Ali in 1978, Marvin Hagler versus Thomas
Hearns in 1985, and Mike Tyson versus Evander Holyfield in 1997.
Unfortunately, American boxing has since faced a steady decline. It
has been 38 years since an American won a heavyweight gold medal at the
Olympics, and the majority of boxing's premier fights are now overseas,
many time zones away.
In recent years, ``HBO World Championship Boxing'' and ``Showtime
Championship Boxing,'' long home to the greatest fights, ceased
operations.
{time} 1510
Last year, ESPN's contract with a leading boxing promotion ended
without renewal, leaving professional boxing without an American
distributor.
At the heart of boxing's downturn is a structural flaw that our
predecessors in Congress identified over 25 years ago but declined to
address. We have the opportunity to fix this today and revive this
great American sport.
For over a century, individual States enacted legislation to regulate
professional boxing, but the patchwork of regulations without uniform
minimum standards led to the exploitation of boxers and rampant
corruption.
Since the 1950s, Congress has considered proposed legislation to
address these problems. After multiple attempts in the 1990s, Congress
finally acted, passing the Professional Boxing Safety Act of 1996 and
the Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act in 2000.
As a result, boxing is the only professional sport regulated by
Congress.
The Professional Boxing Safety Act of 1996 established minimum safety
standards for professional boxers. The Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act,
more commonly known as the Ali Act, attempted to reform unfair and
anticompetitive practices in the professional boxing industry. Both
were enacted by voice vote with unanimous support from the House and
Senate.
Mr. Speaker, today, we have the opportunity to follow in our
predecessor's footsteps and pass the Muhammad Ali American Boxing
Revival Act.
My legislation amends the Professional Boxing Safety Act of 1996 and
preserves in its entirety the original Ali Act.
First, my bill clarifies ambiguities in current law that have stifled
innovation and investment in the sport. This
[[Page H2645]]
legislation allows for the creation of Unified Boxing Organizations,
otherwise known as UBOs, that will provide professional boxers with
more opportunities, better pay, and greater protections.
The UBO system will not replace the current structure of professional
boxing. Instead, UBOs will operate as a separate, parallel system that
will give boxers the freedom to choose which system works best for
them.
The bill's strict antidoping and antigambling protocols will
safeguard the integrity of the sport and restrict UBOs from charging
boxers fees for placement in rankings or participation in championship
matches.
To improve the safety and well-being of professional boxers, my
legislation establishes a national minimum payment per round of $200
and strengthens existing health and safety protections, including
establishing for the very first time a national minimum of $50,000 in
health coverage for injuries sustained during a bout.
My legislation also seeks to alleviate confusion fans often face
while following the sport by specifying that sanctioning organizations
and UBOs shall only award one championship title for each weight class.
Mr. Speaker, the Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act strengthens
safety for boxers, improves the quality of life for boxers, and
establishes a framework for innovation within the sport to flourish.
Passage of my legislation will return boxing events to our country,
and bringing jobs, investment, and economic activity back to American
communities.
The Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act is endorsed by Lonnie
Ali, the wife of Muhammad Ali; the Association of Boxing Commissions;
and former heavyweight champion of the world Mike Tyson.
Additionally, America's largest arena operators support my
legislation, including Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corporation,
MGM Resorts International, and State Farm Arena in my hometown of
Atlanta. Representing American workers, the International Brotherhood
of Teamsters also supports this legislation.
Mr. Speaker, this legislation has accomplished something few other
issues before this Congress have done. The Muhammad Ali American Boxing
Revival Act fostered collaboration between Republicans and Democrats
who worked together in good faith to revive one of America's greatest
sports, in the name of one of America's greatest athletes.
Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the
gentlewoman from Minnesota (Ms. Omar), the ranking member of the
Subcommittee on Workforce Protections.
Ms. OMAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Muhammad Ali American
Boxing Revival Act.
I come to this issue both as a legislator and a longtime fan of the
sport. At its best, boxing is a sport of courage, discipline, and
dignity. For too long, the people who are risking the most have not
always been treated with the fairness and respect they deserve.
Congress passed the original Ali Act for a reason: to stop powerful
interests from exploiting boxers and denying them control over their
careers.
When this bill first came before us, I had significant concerns. That
is why I worked hard to make it better. We negotiated in good faith
with the majority, and we did make it better.
This bill now includes stronger baseline protections for boxers,
including higher pay, better healthcare coverage, and stronger ringside
medical protections.
It also includes an amendment that I offered with Representative
Stevens to guarantee free agency for boxers, strengthening their
economic freedom, and limiting the ability of powerful leagues to
control boxers' careers.
I am voting ``yes'' today because boxers deserve those benefits and
protections. Let me be clear: This work is not done. We still need
stronger financial transparency, stronger antimonopoly provisions, and
stronger safeguards against coercive contracts, including forced
arbitration clauses.
I support this bill, not because it is perfect, but because we fought
hard to make sure it wasn't just a gift to industry.
Boxers put their bodies, their long-term health, and their
livelihoods on the line every time they step into the ring. Congress
should not ask them to accept more risk with less protection and less
economic security.
Mr. Speaker, I urge Senators to keep improving this bill.
Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from
Ohio (Mr. Jordan), the chairman of the Committee on the Judiciary and a
doggone good wrestler in his time as an NCAA champion.
Mr. JORDAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding and thank
him for his work on this bill.
As a kid growing up in the seventies and eighties who was into
sports, I loved watching boxing. Title fights were a big thing. It was
comparable to watching the Final Four and the World Series. There were
big fights people tuned into, and some of these names have been
mentioned: Thomas ``Hitman'' Hearns I remember from Detroit,
``Marvelous'' Marvin Hagler, and, of course, I loved the Sugar Ray
Leonard/Roberto Duran fights that took place, especially when Sugar Ray
beat him the second time, the No Mas Fight.
Nothing compared to the heavyweight title fights: Ali/Frazier,
Frazier/Foreman, Ali/Foreman, Ali/Norton, all of those guys--amazing
fights.
Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman again for the work on this bill. I
particularly thank Representative Jack for the good work he has done,
hoping that we can revive boxing, this great sport, in our country, and
do it in a way that will expand opportunity for young fighters who want
to box and want to be in this game and do it in a way that is also
healthy for them, healthy for the sport, healthy for everyone. That is
what this legislation does.
Again, I thank the chairman and the committee for the bipartisan work
that was done. In particular, I thank Representative Jack for the good
work he has done shepherding this bill through, and I urge a ``yes''
vote.
Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the
gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Courtney), a senior member of the
Committee on Education and Workforce.
Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 4624,
which I also opposed in committee along with three other members who
opposed the Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act, a bill which
radically amends the existing Muhammad Ali Act that was passed in 2000.
That law established statutory protections for boxers from exploitative
and unethical business practices.
The committee received expert testimony from witnesses with deep
experience in the legal landscape in the boxing world and warned us
that this bill will strip away many of those hard-fought reforms.
H.R. 4624 creates a new parallel legal structure, the so-called
unified boxing organizations, which can engage in promotion, rule
setting, match organization, and creation of their own titles and
rankings. Under the existing law negotiated and spearheaded by the late
John McCain, these functions have been required to remain separate to
protect against conflicts of interest and coercive contract terms for
boxers.
The UBOs proposed under H.R. 4624 will replicate a model that has
been extremely lucrative in other nonboxing, mixed martial arts sports
worlds that operate with few legal and economic protections for
fighters, leading to a long history of litigation and allegations of
coercive and anticompetitive practices.
This includes the use of long-term contracts, including forced
arbitration, blocking fighters from bringing a lawsuit for breach of
contract, and class action waivers that waive a fighter's right to be
awarded damages in settlement on behalf of a group.
One of the crowning achievements of the original Muhammad Ali law was
the establishment of a boxer's right to a private cause of action to
assert their rights, which all Americans enjoy, to seek legal redress
for unlawful injuries. H.R. 4624 fails to protect these protections
within UBOs.
{time} 1520
Mr. Speaker, there has been a narrative that this is something that
has unified the boxing world in terms of support for this bill.
[[Page H2646]]
I include in the Record a letter dated just a few weeks ago, February
27, 2026, from USA Boxing, the largest amateur boxing organization in
America withdrawing their endorsement that they gave the bill last
January.
February 27, 2026.
Re Withdrawal and Clarification of January 18, 2026,
Correspondence.
Hon. Tim Walberg,
Chairman, Committee on Education and the Workforce,
House of Representatives,
Washington, DC.
Hon. Robert C. ``Bobby'' Scott,
Ranking Member, Committee on Education and the Workforce,
House of Representatives,
Washington, DC.
Dear Chairman Walberg and Ranking Member Scott: On January
18, 2026, correspondence was transmitted to your offices
regarding the Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act (H.R.
4624).
Following review, the USA Boxing Board of Directors
determined that the January 18, 2026, correspondence did not
reflect a formally adopted Board position at the time of
submission and was not authorized by a vote of the Board.
Accordingly, the Board issues this clarification and confirms
that the January 18 correspondence does not represent an
official position at USA Boxing.
Accordingly, the Board hereby withdraws that letter.
After discussion, the Board has determined that USA Boxing
will not take a position on H.R. 4624.
We appreciate the Committee's attention to matters
affecting the sport of boxing.
Respectfully,
Tyson Lee,
President of USA Boxing.
Mike McAtee,
Executive Director/CEO of USA Boxing.
Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, I also include in the Record a letter from
Top Rank boxing CEO Robert Arum, who again criticized this bill for the
damage it is going to do to boxers' legal rights, and states that a UBO
is deemed in compliance with such provisions simply by virtue of being
recognized as a UBO.
December 3, 2025.
Re Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act.
House Education and the Workforce Committee.
Washington, D.C.
Dear Committee Members: My name is Bob Arum and I am the
chairman and founder of Top Rank, Inc., a leading boxing
promoter operating since 1966. I am writing to you all
regarding the proposed Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival
Act (the ``Amendment'').
The Professional Boxing Safety Act of 1996 and the
subsequent Muhammad Ali Act amendment (collectively the ``Ali
Act'') instituted a series of regulations intended to protect
fighters from exploitative and unethical business practices.
By way of example, the Ali Act in its current form:
(1) Prohibits promoters from entering into coercive
contracts with fighters (See Ali Act Section 10(a)), which
serves to prevent a fighter from being forced to sign a long-
term contract with a particular promoter as a condition
precedent to securing a fight with an opponent under contract
to that same promoter;
(2) Creates strict disclosure rules that compel promoters
to disclose to fighters the compensation they have contracted
to receive from the fighter's match, which provides fighters
with transparency regarding the revenue generated from their
bouts and serves as a tool that allows fighters to negotiate
fair market value for subsequent bouts (See Ali Act Section
13(b)(1) of the Ali Act); and
(3) Establishes a firewall between promoters and managers,
which helps ensure that managers represent the interests of
their fighters and do not serve as agents of promoters at
their fighters' expense (See Ali Act Section 17(b)).
The Amendment strips away these and other protections for
fighters set forth in the Ali Act for any fighter that signs
with a newly created Unified Boxing Organization (``UBO'').
Specifically, the proposed Section 24(a) of the Amendment
states that a UBO is ``deemed to be in compliance with the
requirements of this Act if the UBO meets the conditions of
this section with respect to--(1) each boxer under contract
with the UBO; and (2) each professional boxing match
organized by the UBO.''
As presently drafted, the conditions required for an entity
to qualify as a UBO do not include the protections for
fighters set forth above. A UBO is not prohibited from
entering coercive contracts with fighters, is not required to
provide financial disclosures to fighters, and is not subject
to the rule establishing a firewall between managers and
promoters. It is not subject to any of the protections
created for fighters in the Ali Act. Instead, a UBO is deemed
in compliance with such provisions simply by virtue of being
recognized as a UBO and complying with the requirements for
UBOs. This is incredibly problematic and entirely
unjustifiable. Put simply, there is no reason for Congress to
actively remove these protections for those fighters who
choose to sign with a UBO, and there is no reason for a UBO
to be exempt from complying with these protective measures.
Proponents of the Amendment have hailed that it will create
greater opportunities for fighters outside the current
sanctioning body system, enhance health and safety benefits,
and improve fighter pay. The Amendments can achieve those
ends without exempting UBOs from the protections for fighters
set forth in the Ali Act. Proponents have also stated that
the bill does not change the existing provisions of the
original Ali Act. This is misleading at best. As stated
above, the Amendment exempts UBO's from the existing
provisions of the original Ali Act by deeming the UBO in
compliance with such provisions so long as it adheres to all
UBO requirements. Fighters who benefited from those
protective provisions will no longer do so if they
participate in the UBO system. That is a fundamental change
to the underlying Ali Act and to the many protections granted
to fighters therein.
There is likely a version of this bill that achieves the
stated aims of its proponents without harming fighters who
participate in the alternative UBO system. Indeed, such a
change to the presently drafted Amendment could be easily
accomplished--UBOs should be forced to comply with those
portions of the underlying Ali Act that protect fighters to
be deemed in compliance with the overall Act and to maintain
their standing as a UBO. There is no sound reason to reject
such a proposed change, which serves only to ensure that
previous protections for fighters carry over into the new
alternative system the Amendment seeks to create.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to me if you have any
further questions or if Top Rank can provide any additional
information.
Sincerely,
Robert Arum,
Chief Executive Officer, Top Rank, Inc.
Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, this is incredibly problematic and
entirely unjustifiable. Put simply, there is no reason for Congress to
actively remove these protections for those fighters who choose to sign
with the UBO, and there is no reason for a UBO to be exempt from
complying with these protective measures.
Mr. Speaker, lastly, Patrick English, who testified before the
committee, rebutted the myth that boxing is dying.
Mr. Speaker, cable is dying, but boxing is signing very lucrative
contracts with streaming services.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The time of the gentleman has expired.
Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield an additional 1 minute to
the gentleman from Connecticut.
Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, this bill does not have consensus support
from those its proponents claim. Again, as has been stated by Ms. Omar,
I join with her in calling on the Senate to continue to work on this
bill and focus on the achievements of Senator McCain in terms of
protecting boxers' rights that are at risk with this legislation.
Again, I would ask for Members to oppose this bill when the time comes
up for a vote.
Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from
North Carolina (Mr. Harris), a great member of the Education and
Workforce Committee.
Mr. HARRIS of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support
the Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act.
Mr. Speaker, for decades boxing has declined in the public eye in
part because of a fragmented structure that has left many fighters
without the security and stability they deserve. This bill gives boxers
more control over their careers, allowing them to choose whether to
compete within a unified boxing organization or continue under the
current system.
The bill updates longstanding requirements to ensure proper medical
oversight, including the presence of doctors and ambulances at every
event. It includes my amendment, which better aligns these requirements
with established industry practice and State laws in some of the
Nation's premier combat sport States, including Nevada.
As a result, the bill now requires two ambulances and two doctors to
be continuously present at professional boxing matches. I urge my
colleagues to support this bill brought forward by my friend
Representative Brian Jack that I believe will modernize boxing safety
standards.
Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the
gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. McGarvey).
Mr. McGARVEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Muhammad Ali
American Boxing Revival Act. The term ``GOAT'' gets thrown around a lot
these days. In fact, my middle school son came home recently asking us
to buy him a pair of GOAT sweatpants.
[[Page H2647]]
There is a movie that just came out produced by Steph Curry called
``GOAT.''
But in Louisville, Kentucky, we know that there is only one Greatest
of All Time: Muhammad Ali. His three world titles, his gold medals, his
footwork, his showmanship and charisma, they made him an icon inside
the ring. His work outside the ring, which is arguably more impressive,
cemented that legacy.
He was the GOAT.
Ali often said that he was: the onliest boxer in history who people
asked questions like a Senator. It is only fitting that Congress named
the bill in his honor when they set out to reform the boxing industry.
We do so again today as we consider further reforms.
The first Ali acts in 1996 and 2000 secured significant reforms for
boxers--guaranteeing transparency, protecting fighter safety, trying to
erect a firewall between promoters and managers--but American boxing
remains fractured and favors the interests of sanctioners and promoters
over the fighters themselves.
I think that is why a boxing landscape that produced eight
heavyweight gold medalists in the 10 Olympics between 1952 and 1988 has
not produced a single one since.
Today's bill is a step in the right direction, and I will vote
``yes.'' But like Ranking Member Scott and Representative Omar, I
believe there is more work to do on this bill before it gets to the
President's desk.
Boxing lifted Cassius Clay from Smoketown and gave Muhammad Ali to
the world. That is a legacy worth fighting for.
I thank my colleagues and my dear friend Lonnie Ali who continues to
fight for boxers and for her late husband's legacy.
Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from
Pennsylvania (Mr. Mackenzie), the chairman of the Subcommittee on
Workforce Protections.
Mr. MACKENZIE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4624, the
Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act.
For generations, boxing stood at the center of American sports. It
produced legends, inspired communities, and embodied the grit and
determination that defined our country. But today, the sport has become
fragmented, marked by inconsistent standards; weak oversight; and, too
often, inadequate protections for fighters.
As chairman of the Workforce Protections Subcommittee, I recently led
a hearing examining these challenges. We heard directly from experts,
advocates, and leaders in the sport about the urgent need to strengthen
safety, improve transparency, and create real opportunities for
fighters.
At the end of the day, boxers are workers, and like every American
worker, they deserve a safe and fair workplace.
This bill takes important steps to get us there. It establishes
clearer, more consistent standards across the sport, strengthens
medical protections, and ensures fighters have access to fair pay and
proper oversight.
Just as importantly, it helps restore integrity and trust in the
sport that has meant so much to so many Americans.
H.R. 4624 is about putting American fighters first, protecting their
health, respecting their dignity, and giving them a fair shot at
success.
I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.
Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my
time.
Mr. Speaker, this bill is far better today because of the bipartisan
work that went into it.
Together, we have improved safety standards, strengthened financial
protections, and added important safeguards for fighters.
These changes will help ensure that boxers are better protected both
in and out of the ring and that the sport moves forward with greater
integrity and accountability.
As all the speakers on this side have mentioned, there is more work
that could be done to strengthen the bill, especially as it pertains to
private right of action and binding arbitration. This bill has come a
long way and is significantly improved from its introduced version.
I support the bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, I express my appreciation to Ranking Member Scott for
his efforts and work on this bill. It is always good to work with him.
I greatly appreciate the work of the sponsor of the bill, Mr. Jack, and
his cosponsor Representative Davids, as well as Representative Omar for
the efforts that they have put into making this bill what it appears to
be and stands to be and the impact that it can have as we have noted
today.
Like many Americans, I enjoy boxing movies like ``Rocky'' and
``Cinderella Man.'' I think the reason those stories resonate with so
many is because it reflects what boxing is meant to represent:
discipline, opportunity, a fair fight, and doggone toughness in the
American way.
I so enjoyed my colleague Mr. Jordan as he went through names that I
recollect, sitting with my twin brother and my father watching those
historic boxing matches. Now, I am a short distance from the Kronk Gym,
a historic gym where Emanuel Steward and others trained fighters to do
the American thing: discipline, opportunity, and a fair fight.
This bill is also reflective of the story of the American Dream that
anyone can earn his or her shot through grit and determination.
But in the real world, a fair fight requires rules that protect
competitors as much as they promote competition.
{time} 1530
Today, professional boxing too often falls short of that standard.
Too often, fighters are pushed into dangerous matches without proper
medical oversight, even in the training that they do. They are left
navigating contracts with a lack of transparency and forced to shoulder
risk without adequate recourse. That reality undermines athlete safety
and public confidence in the sport.
The Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act modernizes the framework
of professional boxing to meet the expectations of today's athletes and
today's fans. It strengthens protections for fighters, creates more
opportunities, and helps restore integrity in the sport.
At a time when interest in boxing is growing again, we have the
chance to restore confidence in a sport that once inspired generations
of Americans.
Mr. Speaker, for the fighters of today and tomorrow, for the fans who
believe in this sport, and for the enduring principle of fair
competition, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 4624, and I yield
back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Walberg) that the House suspend the rules
and pass the bill, H.R. 4624, as amended.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the
rules were suspended and the bill, as amended, was passed.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
____________________