Connect with us

Boxing

James Hagler Jr. warns that changes to Ali law could make fighters ‘slaves of promoter’

Published

5 months ago

on

Ali Walsh Hagler Jr

James Hagler Jr. felt compelled to reveal where he stood after Nick Khan mentioned Marvin Hagler during a Senate discussion on proposed changes to the Ali bill.

Using his grandfather’s large name in sports as leverage in an argument was seen by many as a blow, and Hagler Jr. he made it clear that he wanted no part of it.

“I didn’t like that they tried to apply my grandfather’s name to represent something that would take away the rights of the players” – Hagler Jr. he told World Boxing News exclusively.

The comments follow Hagler Jr.’s previous public outcry. regarding the apply of Marvin Hagler’s name in the Ali Act debate, in which he rejected any attempts to link his family legacy to changes that he believed would limit the freedom of fighters.

Hagler Jr. rejects Zuffa’s argument

When asked what Marvin Hagler would think about the proposed changes, Hagler Jr. he pointed to the way his grandfather managed his own career.

“My grandfather wouldn’t have liked it because he was a man who believed that players should have a say in their careers,” Hagler Jr. said.

“As we all know, he was not tied to a contract with a promoter. He worked with them from fight to fight. He was not tied to one particular promoter.”

This point is at the heart of opposition from both Hagler Jr. and Muhammad Ali’s grandson, Nico Ali Walsh, who also opposed proposed changes to the law bearing his grandfather’s name.

Ali Walsh helped lead the opposition through the Ali Act Preservation Alliance, arguing that fighters could lose influence if promoters gained too much control over rankings, titles and opportunities.

Warning about the rights of fighters

Hagler Jr. expressed hope that the fact that boxers can choose their own fight route will not be enough to push the proposed changes through the Senate.

“I hope that doesn’t happen because we should have the right to leave if we don’t come to an agreement with the promoter,” Hagler Jr. said.

“And if so, Ali’s name should not be associated with it.”

@jameshagelrjr

His starkest warning concerned what he believed would happen once the players signed the novel structure.

“I believe they will be imprisoned, like gladiators to kings in the age of gladiators, and will have no say in their career,” he said.

“Basically like a promoter’s slave.”

Despite opposition from Hagler Jr. and Ali Walsh, promoter Oscar De La Hoya, who also made a statement during the hearing, believes the law is already written in stone.

De La Hoya said the hearing was merely a public sham and that key decisions had already been made behind closed doors between people who wanted the law introduced and those who approved of it.

Promoter Golden Boy argued that the sport was currently being pushed towards a structure that could change the way fighters move, negotiate and chase titles.

Zuffa is already causing problems

Hagler Jr. may continue to lobby against it, but Zuffa Boxing will remain and be a direct competitor to the regular sanctioning body system.

The waters were already muddied by David Benavidez’s comments in Las Vegas following his victory over Gilberto Ramirez.

Benavidez stated that Zuffa was closed to negotiations with other promoters and that if any cruiserweight fighter who had recently signed with Zuffa, like Jai Opetaia, wanted a title shot, they had to work away from Zuffa’s mainframe.

His warning to Zuffa fighters showed how quickly the problem can become real in the ring.

This is the fear behind Hagler Jr.’s position. Once fighters become confined to one structure, the ability to leave, negotiate elsewhere, or seek a better opportunity may become more hard.

For a family name built on independence, stamina and control, this is the limit that Hagler Jr. I don’t want to exceed.

About the author

Phil Jay is the editor-in-chief of World Boxing News (WBN) and a seasoned boxing reporter with over 15 years of experience. Since 2010, he has interviewed world champions, broken international exclusives and reported in-ring performances. Read the full biography.

Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Boxing

Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury: Live London Press Conference Showdown

Published

6 hours ago

on

September 30, 2026

By

"Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury: Live London Press Conference Showdown"

The long-awaited, all-British heavyweight blockbuster between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua is officially set for December 11 at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.

Backed by Saudi powerbroker Turki Alalshikh, the defining clash will see both men pocket a career-high purse and settle the debate – to a degree – of this generation’s best UK heavyweight.

After more than a decade of false starts and fractured negotiations, the two former heavyweight champions will finally settle their rivalry in what promises to be the biggest commercial event in British boxing history. Broadcast rights have been secured by Netflix for a global audience and Filipino icon Manny Pacquiao may appear on the undercard, despite turning 49 one week after the event.

Crucially, Joshua’s camp held firm during negotiations to ensure the bout remained on domestic soil. Despite the potential for more lucrative offers overseas, ‘AJ’ refused to budge on the location, and the pair meet today in London to make it official.

Fans can watch live via the stream below, with the proceedings expected to kick off at 6 PM – though delays and gamesmanship may be a factor.