‘For billionaires, not boxers’: De La Hoya warns over Ali Act overhaul in Senate hearing
Summary
A US Senate hearing discussed changes to the Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act, with some boxing figures warning the changes could reduce fighters’ rights. Supporters say the new system would bring more organization and investment, while critics fear it would concentrate power and limit fighters’ freedom to choose opponents.Key Facts
- The Senate hearing focused on a proposed update to the Ali Boxing Reform Act.
- The update would allow "Unified Boxing Organizations" (UBOs) to operate alongside the current system.
- UBOs could act as both promoter and regulator, which current law forbids.
- Supporters believe UBOs would fix confusion by creating clear champions and simplify matchmaking.
- Critics worry this change would give too much control to corporations and reduce protections for fighters.
- Oscar De La Hoya, a former champion and promoter, criticized the proposal for prioritizing corporate profits over fighters.
- Nico Ali Walsh, Muhammad Ali’s grandson and a boxer, argued boxing is not broken and fair pay is an advantage over MMA.
- The proposal is linked to a business venture called Zuffa Boxing, supported by UFC parent company TKO Group and Saudi investment.
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