Boxing
Gary Antuanne Russell confirms negotiations with Hitchins for unification at the end of the year
Proposed changes to the Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act are gaining attention in Washington, but some industry officials say the changes could make it more tough for smaller promoters to continue to host boxing events across the United States in many local markets across the country.
The legislation, known as the Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act of 2026, includes several fresh provisions related to medical supervision and fighter protection. The proposal called for higher injury insurance, required ambulance and medical staff at events, expanded drug testing and a higher minimum pay for players.
Supporters say the changes will improve safety standards in boxing. Others believe the additional requirements could raise the costs of promoting fights.
Enormous promotional companies with powerful financial resources would probably be able to bear the higher costs. Smaller organizers who host club shows and prospect cards tend to make much less money, and their events depend on smaller venues and regional audiences to sustain them.
Under the proposal, promoters would be required to carry at least $50,000 in insurance against player injuries and $15,000 in the event of accidental death. The minimum fighter pay will also boost from $150 per round to $200 per round, and drug testing will boost for many fights.
Some boxing insiders say these extra expenses could make it more tough for smaller promoters to put on shows. Fewer local fight cards may reduce opportunities for youthful fighters trying to build their records early in their careers.
The proposal has already passed through committee in the House and is expected to go to a vote in the House soon. If the bill is approved there, it would still have to pass the Senate before reaching the president’s desk. Lawmakers continue to debate how the changes could impact boxing’s business structure while strengthening protections for fighters across the sport.
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Last update: 2026/03/12 at 3:18
Richard Torrez Jr’s road to a fight for the IBF heavyweight title was delayed after Frank Sanchez suffered a knee injury that forced their scheduled eliminator to withdraw from the March 28 event in Las Vegas. The fight was considered a key move in the IBF rankings, with the winner expected to move into mandatory challenger territory.
Top executive Carl Moretti confirmed that Torrez will not remain on the Fundora-Thurman card at MGM Grand after the eliminator is removed. The fight was scheduled to go live on pay-per-view, but our focus is now on setting a fresh date for when Sanchez can return to training.
Dan Rafael reported that the fight is currently scheduled for May 30 on the undercard of the proposed Devin Haney vs. Rolando Romero. This event has not yet been finalized and the heavyweight eliminator depends on both Sanchez’s recovery and confirmation of his planned appearance.
Torrez (14-0, 12 KO) last fought in November, defeating Tomas Salek in the first round in Mexico. The 26-year-old southpaw from Tulare, California, turned professional in 2022 after winning a silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics and has quickly risen through the ranks since signing with Top Rank.
Sanchez (25-1, 18 KO) is struggling with inflammation in his surgically repaired right knee. The 33-year-old Cuban heavyweight underwent arthroscopic surgery in June 2024 as a result of injuries suffered around the same year in his seventh-round knockout loss to Agit Kabayel.
The injury occurred during a long period of inactivity for Sanchez, who has fought only once since losing to Kabayel, defeating Ramon Olivas Echeverria in three rounds in February 2025.
The target date of May does not guarantee that the eliminator will move forward smoothly. Sanchez has only fought once since undergoing knee surgery in 2024, and now he is experiencing inflammation of the same joint again during training. If an injury prevents him from completing another camp, the IBF qualifier could face another delay, leaving Torrez waiting even longer for a fight that could move him into the must-see position.
The delay leaves the IBF eliminator question unresolved for now, and Torrez remains waiting for an opportunity that could bring him closer to a title fight.
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Last update: 2026/03/12 at 12:07
An overhaul of the Ali Act could push tiny boxing promoters out of business
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