Boxing Revival Act Passes House, Aims to Transform Sport with TKO’s Zuffa Boxing in Mind
Boxing Legislation Passes House, Ushering in Potential Industry Shift
The U.S. House of Representatives on Tuesday passed the Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act (H.R.4624) by voice vote, marking the first boxing legislation to pass the House in 26 years. The bill, aimed at modernizing the regulation of professional boxing, now heads to the Senate for consideration.
The legislation builds upon the existing framework established by the Professional Boxing Safety Act of 1996 and further refined by the Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act of 2000, often referred to as the “Ali Act.” The original Ali Act sought to protect boxers from exploitative practices by promoters and sanctioning bodies, prohibiting conflicts of interest such as managers also acting as promoters.
A central component of the “revival” act is the creation of Unified Boxing Organizations (UBOs). These organizations would operate as an alternative to the current major sanctioning bodies – the World Boxing Association (WBA), World Boxing Organization (WBO), World Boxing Council (WBC), and International Boxing Federation (IBF) – allowing them to establish independent rankings and crown their own champions.
This provision has drawn significant support from TKO, the parent company of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and WWE, as it aligns with their plans to launch Zuffa Boxing, a novel boxing promotion. Operating under the UBO framework would allow Zuffa Boxing to mirror the operational model of the UFC, potentially disrupting the traditional boxing landscape.
Beyond the creation of UBOs, the act also establishes minimum financial safeguards for boxers. It mandates a minimum purse of $150 per scheduled round and requires at least $25,000 in health coverage for injuries sustained during a fight. These minimums exceed current standards in many states, where such protections are often absent or significantly lower.
Congressman Brian Jack, a key proponent of the legislation, stated in a press release, “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. 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.”
Lonnie Ali, wife of the late Muhammad Ali and co-founder of the Muhammad Ali Center, praised the bill’s passage, stating, “Muhammad dedicated his life to fighting — not just in the ring, but for the dignity of every person. Today’s passage in the House of The Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act will continue to carry that legacy forward.”
The bill was initially introduced on July 23, 2025, by Congressman Jack and Congresswoman Sharice Davids (KS-03), and subsequently approved by the House Committee on Education and Workforce with a bipartisan vote of 30–4 on January 21, 2026. The committee hearing featured testimony from Lonnie Ali in support of the legislation on December 4, 2025.
The bill’s future remains uncertain as it awaits consideration in the Senate. The potential impact of the legislation on the established boxing ecosystem, particularly the role of the major sanctioning bodies, is expected to be a key point of debate.