Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing venture is taking heavy criticism ahead of its January launch, as the promotion pushes for revisions to the federal Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act. The company’s plan to rank its own fighters, crown in-house champions, and bypass traditional sanctioning bodies has really drawn fierce opposition from across the sport.
Hall of Famer Oscar De La Hoya labelled White’s proposal “shady,” joining Matchroom’s Eddie Hearn in denouncing what they see as a power grab disguised as reform. On BoxingScene Today, analysts Chris Algieri and Paulie Malignaggi argued that instead of weakening the Act, boxing should strengthen it to ensure greater transparency. “It’s in place to protect fighters and has no teeth,” Algieri said. “It needs more, not changing or abolishing. Zuffa Boxing wants more power.”
The proposed “Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act” has divided even the late champion’s family. While Lonnie Ali, his widow, has endorsed the initiative, his daughter Hana Ali and grandson Nico Ali Walsh have condemned it. “My father would have always sided with fairness and protecting the individual above all else,” Hana wrote on Instagram.
Political support may be on Zuffa’s side, with President Trump’s Republican-majority Congress likely to entertain the reforms. Trump and White’s friendship adds another layer of complexity to the debate. Still, critics argue that eliminating federal oversight could strip fighters of their right to audit promoters and ensure fair pay. “If you eliminate [the regulations], none of it matters,” Malignaggi said.
Zuffa Boxing insists its model will modernize the sport, yet veterans like Algieri warn it risks reviving the very monopolistic control the Ali Act sought to dismantle. “You don’t show up for an overlord and hear, ‘Take it or leave it,’” he said.