The California State Athletic Commission voted unanimously on Wednesday to back support for the Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act, which is expected to have a major impact on UFC CEO Dana White’s boxing promotion plans.
The commissioners voted 6-0 on the measure with one wrinkle added that if the proposed legislation becomes law that cost of living adjustments are included within the state of California.
The proposed law introduced into Congress by Representatives Brian Jack (R-Georgia) and
Sharice Davids (D-Kansas) won’t change the existing Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act, but instead add a new provision that would allow for UFC-style promotion in the sport of boxing. Under United Boxing Organizations (UBO), the new law would guarantee certain levels of pay, new safety standards, and anti-doping measures.
UBO would effectively operate much like the UFC with an organization promoting the event while also providing its own rankings and championship titles. The new law wouldn’t usurp the existing Ali Reform Act, but rather serve as an alternative option for fighters.
During a heated two-hour meeting on Wednesday, the commissioners largely backed the measure. When the floor was opened to public comments, several ex-UFC fighters spoke out against the new law while notable names like John McCarthy, Forrest Griffin, and Chris Leben offered support for the new measure.
Boxing promoters such as Tom Loeffler and Cory Rapacz also spoke out in support of the Ali Revival Act becoming law.
Not a single current professional boxer joined the meeting to offer support or speak out against the potential provision.
“I have been a part of professional combat sports for over 30 years,” veteran referee and former Bellator commentator John McCarthy said during the meeting. “I want to state that I have no financial interest in this amendment at all but many of the people you’re going to be hearing from today do have a financial interest in keeping this amendment from passing. The revival act does not in any way change the Ali Act that was established in [1996]. It is simply an addition that allows boxers to have options in how they decide to pursue their professional career.
“Options are always good. Options give people choices, alternatives, possibilities, opportunities. Not one of those things is bad for the athlete.”
Leben, a veteran fighter who now serves as a referee and judge in the state of California, also spoke out in support of the measure noting the exposure and notoriety he gained from competing in the UFC.
Numerous others spoke out about struggles boxing has faced with a lack of support through major broadcasters with HBO, Showtime, and ESPN all bailing on the sport in recent years. Meanwhile, the new Zuffa Boxing promotion, which is financially backed by Saudi Arabia and operated by TKO Group Holdings (parent company to the UFC and WWE), has already inked a multi-year deal for events to air on Paramount.
Several ex-UFC fighters joined for public comment and spoke out vehemently against the measure with names like Sara McMann, Nate Quarry, Kajan Johnson, Tarec Saffiedine, Carlos Newton, and Matt Brown opposing the Ali Revival Act provisions.
“I fought in the UFC for 15 years, I had a good time there actually, made a little bit of money but the fact is I don’t know if there’s anything I can say because it feels like this is some sort of joke,” Brown said during his public comment. “Like you guys are just supporting this no matter what. I don’t know if you all are bought and sold, bought and paid for. Like John McCarthy, what the hell?”
After public comment ended, the commission voted unanimously to back the measure for approval.
Afterwards, WWE president and TKO executive Nick Khan, who is also involved in Zuffa Boxing, released a statement praising the California State Athletic Commission for endorsing the new proposed law.
“On behalf of Zuffa Boxing, we want to thank the California State Athletic Commission for their thoughtful consideration of all voices presented in today’s hearing and for their unanimous (6-0) support for the Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act,” Khan said in a statement. “This bill does not eliminate or change any of the existing provisions of the original Ali Act. What we are proposing is an alternative system in which fighters will have more choice and opportunities, better pay, greater health and safety protections, and more events in which to compete.
“Also, as the commission is fully aware, the Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act is supported by Lonnie Ali, wife of the greatest, Muhammad Ali. We know Lonnie personally and can share with you what she said to us: ‘This is a great opportunity for boxers, and this is what Muhammad would have wanted.’”
California backing the Ali Revival Act doesn’t mean an immediate adoption of new rules or law but the state athletic commission voting to approve the measure only shows more support for the legislation to potentially pass through Congress and end up on President Donald Trump’s desk to sign into law.
