The Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act officially passed in the House of Representatives on Tuesday during a hearing where arguments were made for and against the bill.
The legislation was first introduced in a bipartisan effort by Congressman Brian Jack, a Republican from Georgia, and Congresswoman Sharice Davids, a former MMA fighter and Democrat from Kansas. Under suspension of the rules — a set of procedures that allows bills to quickly pass the House when there’s broad, bipartisan support
— a two-thirds majority was reached during the vote.
“The House of Representatives made history today by passing by voice vote landmark boxing legislation that will revive one of America’s greatest sports in the name of one of America’s greatest athletes,” Jack said in a statement. “Professional boxing is the only sport regulated by Congress, and ambiguity in current law — adopted over a quarter century ago — has adversely affected boxers and stifled investment.
“The Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act strengthens safety protections for boxers, improves the quality of life for boxers, and establishes a framework for innovation within the sport to flourish.”
The bill doesn’t change or amend the current laws governed by the original Ali Act passed in 2000 but instead adds new provisions — specifically the creation of United Boxing Organizations (UBO) that would allow for UFC style promotion in the sport of boxing. That includes a promotion being allowed to sign fighters to exclusive contracts, introduce promotional rankings and titles along with other required provisions for health, safety and pay.
Under the new bill, a national per-round minimum payment would be established along with stronger drug testing rules.
During the hearing, numerous Republicans and Democrats spoke in favor of the bill including Congressman Jim Jordan (R) from Ohio, who is a former college wrestler and Ohio State coach, as well as Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, (D) from Minnesota after she facilitated some changes to the original bill while it was working its way through the Education and Workforce Subcommittee on Workforce Protections.
Opposition to the bill included a letter submitted by Top Rank boxing’s Bob Arum but ultimately the legislation passed with an overwhelming majority.
The bill now moves onto the Senate for the next step in the legislative process before potentially ending up on President Donald Trump’s desk where he could sign it into law.
