The U.S. House of Representatives has voted overwhelmingly to advance the Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act (H.R. 4624), moving the proposed legislation to the Senate for further consideration.
The bill seeks to amend the existing Professional Boxing Safety Act of 1996. It introduces updated regulations aimed at improving fighter pay, medical protections, and overall working conditions within the sport.
The proposal has gained strong backing, including from Dana White, whose Zuffa Boxing initiative stands to benefit from key elements of the bill. White previously described the lack of resistance to the proposal by saying, “There hasn’t been any pushback… I feel like I came in and I’m beating up babies.”
One of the central changes in the legislation is the introduction of a framework that allows alternative promotional structures - referred to as Unified Boxing Organizations. These would enable promoters to operate their own leagues, titles, and rankings outside the traditional sanctioning body system.
Supporters argue the bill modernizes boxing’s structure and provides stronger protections for fighters. “The House of Representatives made history today,” said Congressman Brian Jack, citing improved safety standards and financial conditions for boxers.
However, critics warn that the changes could weaken long-standing safeguards. Concerns have been raised that allowing promoters to control multiple aspects of the sport - such as matchmaking and rankings - could lead to conflicts of interest and reduced protections for fighters.
The bill will now move to the Senate, and if approved, it will require final authorization from Donald Trump before becoming law.
Image Credit: RTF