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Nick Khan presents Zuffa alternative at Ali Act hearing

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Nick Khan speaking at Muhammad Ali Act hearing

Nick Khan presented an alternative to Zuffa Boxing at the Muhammad Ali Bill hearing, outlining a clear plan to attract fighters through centralized commercial opportunities.

Khan spoke during ongoing discussions on potential reform of the Ali Law, explaining how Zuffa intends to operate in sports by offering a unified platform linked to broadcasting, sponsorship and revenue sharing.

The proposal states that Zuffa provides a direct alternative to the current boxing system used by sanctioning authorities, with a greater emphasis on long-term contracts and broader exposure.

Outline of the Zuffa model

Khan said fighters who join the organization will benefit from a broad platform, citing a distribution deal with Paramount and access to its global subscriber base, as well as network support from CBS.

“If you want a chance to be something bigger in less time on the platform, we were able to sign a deal with Paramount, as I said, for a platform that has almost 80 million subscribers worldwide and has a network partner in CBS,” Khan said during the hearing.

“If you want that exposure, if you want deals on trading cards, if you want deals on merchandise, if you want deals on video games where all the competitors will participate financially. If you want all of that and more, come this way. If not, that’s your choice.”

Khan also provided a critical perspective on the current state of the sport, stating that existing sanctioning body structures have negatively impacted the development of boxing.

“They are terrible for the sport. They have ruined the sport.”

An alternative approach

Khan’s comments were among the most detailed during the hearing, as Zuffa’s plan was presented as an option that could complement the existing system, rather than replace it entirely, in the wake of recent events that have already seen fighters walk away from world titles as tensions with sanctioning authorities rise.

However, his comments about sanctioning bodies also raised questions about how such an approach would be taken in the current setup, especially after the IBF clarified Richardson Hitchins’ title position following his move to Zuffa Boxing.

The discussion comes as renewed attention is drawn to the Ali Law, with lawmakers considering whether the changes could alter the balance between fighters, promoters and governing bodies.

A fighter perspective

The financial model outlined by Khan reflects militants’ concerns about how revenues should be distributed.

Sean O’Malley has previously made similar points, stating in Food Truck Diaries, “Reebok made over a million dollars on all my merchandise, and I got like $3,000.”

Nico Ali Walsh, Muhammad Ali’s grandson and an vigorous fighter, also said at the hearing that his grandfather’s name should be removed from the bill if it passes the Senate.


About the author

Phil Jay is the editor-in-chief of World Boxing News (WBN) and a boxing veteran with over 15 years of experience. Read the full biography.

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Johnny Fisher Signs with Zuffa Boxing for September 26 London Main Event

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"Johnny Fisher Signs with Zuffa Boxing for September 26 London Main Event"
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The agreement gives the 27-year-old Romford fighter a fresh platform following a turbulent spell that included the first defeat of his professional career. Rather than ease back into competition, Fisher will immediately top the bill at ZUFFA BOXING 11 as the promotion continues to strengthen its heavyweight roster.

“The most exciting chapter of my professional career begins,” Fisher said. “Thank you to Dana White, Nick Khan, and the Zuffa Boxing team for this opportunity. Everything has led to this point. Bull Army, get ready to assemble. Bosh!”

Fisher earned widespread attention during his rise through the domestic heavyweight scene with an aggressive style that produced 12 knockouts from 14 victories. His latest outing saw him stop previously unbeaten Ivan Balaz in four rounds, restoring momentum after his rematch defeat to Dave Allen.

The Copper Box Arena has become a familiar venue for Fisher. September’s event will mark his third appearance there, giving him another opportunity to perform in front of a London crowd while beginning life with a new promoter.

The signing also represents another step in Zuffa Boxing’s expansion. After entering professional boxing under the leadership of Dana White and Nick Khan, the company has continued adding recognizable names, and Fisher becomes one of its most prominent British heavyweights.

An opponent has yet to be confirmed for the September 26 main event, with additional bouts expected to be announced as the card takes shape.

For Fisher, the move offers more than a change of promoter. It places him at the front of a growing platform and gives him the chance to rebuild his standing in the heavyweight division with a successful debut under the Zuffa Boxing banner.

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Oleksandr Usyk Has Left the Sport of Boxing, Says Hall of Famer

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"Oleksandr Usyk 'Has Left the Sport of Boxing', Says Hall of Famer"

Oleksandr Usyk has vacated his three heavyweight world titles but will not retire, promising at least one more professional outing before he hangs up the gloves, but in the eyes of one Hall of Famer, the Ukrainian has already ‘left the sport’.

Usyk struggled to overcome Rico Verhoeven back in Maywith a late and controversial stoppage sparing his blushes and denying boxing of one of it’s greatest ever upsets, leading to many saying that the ability of the 39-year-old fan-favourite has perhaps declined.

Following the fight, Usyk decided to vacate his WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight marbles, with Murat Gassiev and Agit Kabayel being elevated to full world champions, whilst Frank Sanchez is expected to face either Moses Itauma or Bakhodir Jalolov for the vacant IBF strap.

Speaking on the Inside The Ring showformer two-division world champion and Boxing Hall of Fame inductee Tim Bradley said he believes Usyk has moved beyond the “sport” of boxing and into the “business” of boxing by choosing to relinquish his titles.

“I think that the Rico Verhoeven fight was an eye-opener for him to be honest with you. He struggled with him right, but then he was able to pull it off at the end.

“Relinquishing the titles, for me, you see the white smoke. He is done. He has left the sport of boxing, he is going to fight [again] but he has left the sport of boxing, he is in the business of boxing now.”

Usyk is currently being linked to a showdown with Deontay Wilder for what would presumably be his career finalealthough it remains to be seen whether a solid performance next time out could convince him to postpone his planned retirement.

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Exclusive Insights: Moses Itaumas Frightening Sparring Sessions with Tyson Fury Revealed

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"Exclusive Insights: Moses Itauma's 'Frightening' Sparring Sessions with Tyson Fury Revealed"

Tipped for the top, Moses Itauma is already being compared to some of Britain’s best heavyweights, and now details regarding his sparring sessions with two-time world champion Tyson Fury have been revealed.

Whilst yet to defeat an elite heavyweight or claim world honours, many British fight fans believe that 21-year-old Moses Itauma is the United Kingdom’s standout heavyweight and that a long, dominant reign is around the corner for the Kent-based sensation.

Next month, Itauma will hope to tee up a world title bid by scoring a career-best win over Filip Hrgovicwell-poised to challenge for all four of the heavyweight marbles and in the privileged position to select his own preferred route to the throne.

It is not only the fans who are appreciative of Itauma’s talent, with boxing manager Spencer Brown telling Playbook Boxing that Tyson Fury recognised the skill of the youngster after their ‘frightening’ sparring sessions in 2024.

“Him and Tyson, when they were in camp together, when Tyson was fighting [Oleksandr] Usyk, they had a great bond and him and Tyson sat and talked about boxing and what he has to do, what he hasn’t. He gave him all of the experience in the world.”

“It [the sparring] was unbelievable, it was frightening but it was great. They bumped each other and they just went at it. I think at one stage Moses went to get out of the ring and Tyson said ‘nah, we have only done six, we are going to eight now,’ and he went ‘oh, alright’ and they went at it again.

“With Tyson, he just wants to help people. He can see what this kid is, you have only got to ask Tyson, he knows what this kid is and anybody in boxing knows what this kid is.”

At that stage, Fury was the reigning WBC heavyweight champion and heading into an undisputed showdown with Usyk.

As for Itauma, his clash with Hrgovic takes place at the O2 Arena on Saturday, August 29as the youngster seeks yet another authoritative display that once again captures the attention of the boxing universe.

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