Veteran trainer Virgil Hunter has spoken out against proposed amendments to the Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act, calling them “a dangerous situation” that could leave fighters vulnerable to exploitation.
Hunter, best known for training Andre Ward and Amir Khan, voiced his concerns following Joshua Buatsi’s victory over Zach Parker, saying the potential rollback of fighter protections would be an insult to the sport. “Only in boxing can something that negative happen,” Hunter said. “It makes you wonder who really cares about the fighters. As soon as fighters recognise that and understand it, they’ll start putting the game in perspective.”
The Ali Act, enacted in 2000, was created to prevent conflicts of interest by separating promoters from managers and requiring full financial transparency for fighters. Now, with discussions to amend or repeal parts of the law, many within boxing fear it could erode the safeguards that ensure fair treatment.
“This opens up the door for fighters to get cheated out of their purse, not knowing what their purse is going to be, to be manipulated by the powers that be,” Hunter warned. He expressed hope that honesty and integrity would prevail in the sport, stressing respect for all fighters — “whether they’re four-round fighters or world champions.”
While some promoters have promised to maintain transparency even if the law changes, Hunter urged fighters to be cautious. “It’s always important for a fighter to consider who they lock up with, who they’re managed by, who they’re promoted by,” he said. “Do your homework. Make sure you have legal representation. Boxing opens doors for shady people.”
He concluded with a call for empathy and fairness: “Hopefully we’ve got promoters who have heart, compassion, and understand what it takes to get in that ring and risk everything. Pay them fairly and pay them correctly.”
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