Debate Surrounds Revival of Muhammad Ali Boxing Act

The grandson of boxing legend Muhammad Ali has addressed UFC founder Dana White over a renewed legislative effort that bears Ali’s name. This initiative, known as the Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act of 2026, seeks to amend a law from 2000 and has stirred controversy as White and TKO Group advance into boxing through Zuffa Boxing.

The proposed bill aims to establish “Unified Boxing Organizations” (UBOs), which would have the authority to sign fighters, promote fights, rank competitors, and distribute titles under a unified system. According to the Congressional Budget Office, UBOs under this bill would handle contracts with boxers, organize matches, and manage rankings and titles.

Nico Ali Walsh, Ali’s grandson, has voiced concerns about the bill. He called for a conversation with White, highlighting the importance of preserving his grandfather’s legacy in the sport. “My direct and respectful message to Dana White: We know what my grandfather’s legacy means to this sport. As the bill stands, it should not bear his name,” Walsh stated.

Nico Ali Walsh, following in his family’s footsteps, competes in boxing and is also related to former boxing champion Laila Ali. His criticism centers on the bill’s potential to weaken existing protections that separate promoters and managers, protections established by the original 2000 law known as the Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act.

The original act, co-sponsored by John McCain, was designed to combat unfair and anticompetitive practices in boxing. It created a clear separation between those who promote fights and those who manage fighters. Under the current regulations, promoters cannot have financial interests in a boxer’s management, and vice versa.

Walsh argues that the new law could allow a single organization to simultaneously act as promoter, matchmaker, ranking body, and title distributor, undermining the separation the original Ali Act enforces. Oscar De La Hoya, a well-known promoter, shares Walsh’s concerns, suggesting the new framework might lead to monopolistic control within the sport.

The Revival Act has bipartisan support. Representatives Brian Jack (R-GA) and Sharice Davids (D-KS) have co-sponsored it, and it recently passed the House of Representatives with bipartisan support. The bill is currently under review by the Senate Commerce Committee.

While Walsh sees the need for some updates to the original law—passed over two decades ago—he emphasizes that improvements like enhanced health benefits should not come at the expense of fighter rights.

Proponents of the Revival Act argue that it could modernize boxing with updated safety and business regulations for UBOs. They claim the bill’s objective is to better protect the well-being of professional boxers.

Walsh urges fighters and fans to become more informed about the Ali Act and the ongoing debate. “You need to know your rights as a fighter,” he advised.

As the conversation continues, stakeholders in the sports community await further developments on the bill. Fox News Digital has reached out to the UFC for comment. Jackson Thompson, the sports reporter at Fox News Digital, covers important political and cultural issues in sports with an investigative approach. His work has been referenced in federal government actions and major media outlets.