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The House of Representatives met to discuss the novel boxing bill

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5 months ago

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Eric Bottjer

A bill introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives in July that would create an amended version of the existing boxing reform laws of 1996 and 2000 was discussed on Capitol Hill today. It was the first public hearing on the issue since it was introduced by sponsor Brian Jack, a Republican from Georgia. Supporters of the bill say the novel legislation will create novel opportunities for militants and lead to the long-term rehabilitation of an enterprise that went bankrupt after 130 years of existence. Critics say the bill would allow a UFC-style monopoly similar to the current professional mixed martial arts business model.

Committee Chairman Ryan Mackenzie (Allentown, Pa.) immediately set the tone in his opening remarks. He said this bill would make boxing “great again” (the phrase “great again” was repeated, well, many times, in case you were wondering about Mackenzie’s political leanings). Ranking Member Omar Ilhan (D-Minneapolis, Minn.) said she saw value in the bill, but added: “There are parts of this bill that raise the question of who will actually control the future of boxing. Are we prioritizing Goliath to the detriment of David? This bill as designed gives more power to gigantic corporations than boxers.”

The genesis of the bill – called the Muhammad Ali Boxing Revival Act – is the UFC’s desire to enter (and critics say take over) boxing, supported in part by Saudi Arabia and its “public investment fund.” Those testifying in support of the bill rejected the monopoly narrative. Rep. Jack stressed that the bill, if passed, would not remove the 1996 and 2000 reform acts and that rather than create a monopoly, it would simply give boxers another option to advance their careers. According to Jack, the law will create Unified Boxing Organizations (UBOs), which will create a “parallel system to (existing) sanctioning bodies. The bill will fix “widespread exploitation and corruption in boxing,” Jack said.

Testifying in favor of the bill (H.R. 4624) was Andy Foster, executive director of the California State Athletic Commission, who predicted the creation of many “UBOs” in the coming years. Foster indicated that UBOs would not charge boxers or promoters “crushing punitive fees” and added that the bill guaranteed club-level boxers a minimum pay structure ($150 per round) as well as zero-deductible medical insurance (currently paid by promoters or boxers). Sometimes boxers leave a fight in a worse financial situation than when they arrived, Foster said. He encouraged the committee to add an amendment to the bill that would adjust minimum portfolio amounts in the future to inflation.

Foster was supported at today’s hearing by Lonnie Ali, Muhammad Ali’s widow, and UFC Chief Operating Officer Lawrence Epstein, who stated: “There is no denying that professional boxing has been in steady decline in the United States. The Muhammad Ali Boxing Renaissance Act has the potential to reverse this decline by creating an creative model that will advance the industry.”

Epstein and the bill’s supporters are sensitive to criticism that the potential law would result in a monopoly, and have emphasized that they believe it simply creates an additional avenue of exploration for boxers. “UBOs will not replace sanctioning organizations,” Epstein said.

UBOs would constitute a “separate, parallel system” to the four existing main sanctions groups.

The lone wolf at the hearing was well-known attorney Pat English, who worked on the two previous boxing reform bills that are now the law. “There are things (in the first two bills) that need to be improved and modified,” English said, “but this bill is not the right solution.” The “real purpose” of the novel law, according to English, is to give monopoly power to a specific UBO – Zuffa Boxing, backed by the UFC. Most boxers are against the idea, English said. While supporters of the bill point to drug testing requirements, English added that the bill does not require reporting of test results to athletic commissions or Boxrec, the current official record-keeping service employed by the Association of Boxing Commissions.

Supporters of this act include ABC, as well as the California commission, promoter Tom Brown, Mike Tyson, various arenas in the US and, oh, the Teamsters.

The bill now returns to the committee that hosted today’s hearing (the House Committee on Education and Labor). Any changes or amendments will be discussed (for example, Foster’s proposal to raise the minimum amount of the boxer budget in the future) before it is sent to the House of Representatives for a vote. According to Arnaud Armstrong, communications specialist in Rep. Mackenzie’s Allentown office, the process will take “weeks.” If it passes, it will be sent to the Senate, which typically takes longer than the chamber to prepare the bill for a vote.

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Boxing

Ryan Garcia and Oscar De La Hoya disagree on who he should fight next

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1 hour ago

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April 26, 2026

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Ryan Garcia and Oscar De La Hoya disagree on who he should fight next

Ryan Garcia and Oscar De La Hoya have offered conflicting perspectives on a potential rematch with Devin Haney, while rumors of a Conor Benn fight become more likely.

Garcia won the welterweight world title in February, dethroning Mario Barrios by unanimous decision following a first-round knockout.

Since then, his name has been most closely linked to Benn, the WBC No. 1 contender at 147 pounds, whose last fight was at 150 pounds against Regis Prograis.

In a recent interview with Fighting Hub TVGarcia confirmed that this is the fight he wants.

“Devin Haney never wanted this. He doesn’t want a rematch at all… [I’m going to return in] August. Can’t wait. I just want Conor [Benn]”

Unlike Garcia, said Golden Boy promoter De La Hoya Fight the noise that he “would like” to make a rematch with Haney a priority.

“I’m most interested in the rematch with Devin Haney. It could be a blockbuster event.

“I would love for this fight to take place in Las Vegas at Allegiant Stadium – it could be such a substantial fight.

“I believe this fight is the best fight that can be had right now.”

Garcia reached a majority decision against Haney in April 2024, but the result was declared a no contest after he tested positive twice for the banned substance Ostarine. It remains one of the most intriguing fights in boxing, especially considering the doubts surrounding the first result and the fact that it is currently a unification fight in the welterweight ranks.

But it appears Benn will take his shot despite recently signing a contract with Zuffa Boxing, the latest major promotion of the sport whose frontman Dana White has no interest in working with the four customary sanctioning bodies.

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Boxing

Tim Bradley wonders if Inoue is tired of fighting

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3 hours ago

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April 26, 2026

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Image: Tim Bradley Wonders if Inoue Is Becoming Battle-Worn

Tim Bradley raised modern questions about Naoya Inoue ahead of a possible fight with Junto Nakatani, saying the undisputed champion has been hit too tough recently and could be he’s starting to get tired of fighting.

“I was hesitant on what to choose,” Bradley said on his channel while talking about Saturday’s Inoue vs. Nakatani fight. “I don’t know who I’m going to favor yet. I’ll let you know later, man. I don’t know. I really don’t know.”

Bradley explained that Nakatani’s length, timing and counters give him the tools to give Inoue more trouble than recent opponents. “Nakatani got a chance to bat,” Bradley said. “In any case, she needs to close the distance from him. The question is, will she do it safely?”


He also pointed out a recurring error in Inoue’s style, noting moments where the undisputed champion can be caught stepping in.

“He’s defenseless. He’s getting hit. That’s what it is,” Bradley said. “Like Nakatani.”

Bradley praised the way Nakatani uses his range and setup play, saying it all starts with his lead hand.

“It all depends on the leading hand and whether he can get his opponent into the action,” Bradley said. “He wants you to reach so he can teach.”

Still, Bradley sees Inoue as a more adaptable player and therefore can’t fully engage in an upset conversation.

“You can never predict. You look at Inoue’s fights and you see this guy doesn’t fight the same,” Bradley said. “He always adapts his game to the style he is dealing with.”

Bradley also questioned whether years of activity could compensate Inoue after his recent struggles.

“He was hit too tough,” Bradley said. “I wonder if he’s getting tired of fighting?”

Even with these concerns, Bradley expects both men to be in top shape should the fight happen.

“It’s going to be a hell of a fight, man,” Bradley said. “These guys are going to beat the living [expletive] from each other.”

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Last updated: 26/04/2026 at 17:17

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Doubts are growing about Floyd Mayweather’s rematch with Manny Pacquiao

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4 hours ago

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April 26, 2026

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Mayweather vs Pacquiao 2 doubts clouds no word

Floyd Mayweather still has not confirmed his rematch with Manny Pacquiao, and his silence now raises grave doubts whether this fight will take place at all.

While Pacquiao and his team continue to push the idea that a second fight has been agreed, Mayweather has said nothing beyond suggesting that any return would be an exhibition and that his undefeated record is not in jeopardy.

This gap between the two sides has only widened, resulting in one version being shared publicly while the other remains absent.

Pacquiao insists the deal is done

Pacquiao has repeatedly said the contract is for a fully sanctioned professional fight, not an exhibition.

“The contract we signed is a real fight,” Pacquiao said. “It’s either a real fight or nothing.”

His team went further, maintaining that contracts had been signed and financial commitments made, and Manny Pacquiao Promotions CEO Jas Mathur provided those details in multiple interviews, including with World Boxing News.

At this stage, the message was clear – the fight had begun and it would be fought on fully professional terms.

Mayweather’s silence tells a different story

Mayweather’s position does not match this certainty.

The former five-weight world champion has not yet officially confirmed the rematch and only referred to the exhibition conditions when discussing a possible return to the professional ranks.

There has been no announcement from Mayweather Promotions, no official launch of the event, and no confirmation from any broadcaster despite reports linking Netflix to the project.

Even that element has gone silent, with no evident promotion or support to suggest that a major fight announcement is imminent.

Mathur, who spoke out during the initial rollout, has also withdrawn from public comments in recent weeks.

The famed Mayweather pattern

The situation mirrors previous instances where reports of fighting have gained popularity without ever being confirmed.

Earlier this year, a proposed exhibition featuring Mike Tyson followed a similar path, with a reported date circulating ahead of his departure, with neither man formally mentioning its status.

Mayweather has long maintained a consistent stance in situations like this.

“Nothing is confirmed unless you hear it here first,” he said throughout his career, a standard he maintained until the exhibition era.

Until confirmation comes directly from Mayweather, speculation alone will not be enough to make the fight real.

Unresolved, not imminent

Pacquiao’s position remains unchanged, and there is an expectation in his camp that the rematch will be conducted as a truly professional fight.

But without Mayweather publicly responding to these conditions, the situation remains unresolved – and increasingly questionable.

At this point the direction becomes clear.

Throughout the discussion surrounding the second meeting, only one side is actively driving the narrative, while the other has yet to take any action.

Until Floyd Mayweather says it himself, there is no fight – just one-sided noise.

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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