Press release from U.S. Congressional representative Shanice Davids, a supporter of the controversial amendment to the Muhammad Ali Act, the U.S. federal statute that governs boxing: "Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act, a bipartisan bill sponsored by Representatives Sharice Davids (KS-03) and Brian Jack (R-GA-03) that modernizes and strengthens protections for professional fighters across the country.
"This legislation modernizes the Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act to protect athletes at every stage of their careers and represents Davids’ fourth bipartisan bill to pass in a Republican-controlled Washington during President Trump’s second term.
"The bipartisan legislation — which is endorsed by Lonnie Ali, widow of Muhammad Ali and longtime advocate for boxing and athlete rights — establishes baseline standards for pay, strengthens health and safety requirements, and creates additional pathways for fighters to compete and build their careers. Importantly, the bill gives fighters more choice and flexibility. They can continue operating under existing structures if that works best for them, while also benefiting from stronger protections and clearer rules.
"The legislation reflects Davids’ commitment to fairness, opportunity, and accountability in American sports, drawing on her personal experience as a former Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighter. Having stepped into the ring herself, she understands firsthand the physical risks fighters take, the importance of clear contracts, and the need for strong health and safety protections."
Speech by Education and Workforce Committee Chairman Tim Walberg (R-MI) delivered on the House Floor in support of H.R. 4624, Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act of 2026, bipartisan legislation to modernize professional boxing, strengthen fighter protections, and restore integrity to the sport:
“For much of the 20th century, boxing stood at the heart of American sports and culture. It gave us legends like Christy Martin, Joe Louis, Sugar Ray Robinson, Jack Dempsey, and Muhammad Ali. But the sport today looks very different. For too long, professional boxing has operated under an outdated patchwork of regulations that leaves fighters vulnerable to injury, exploitation, and limited opportunity.
“The Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act would bring the sport into the modern era. This bipartisan legislation would create new frameworks to enhance safety standards, expand opportunities for fighters, and restore integrity to the sport—revitalizing one of America’s most iconic sports.
“This bipartisan bill would allow Unified Boxing Organizations (UBOs) to operate alongside existing sanctioning bodies. That means more options for fighters and more choice in how they compete. For boxers fighting within UBOs, the bill would strengthen health and safety protections.
“The legislation also extends stronger safety protections and increases wages for all professional boxers—whether they compete inside or outside a UBO. In short, the bill gives boxers more choice, better pay, and stronger safety protections, while encouraging the growth and modernization of this historic sport.
Muhammad Ali once said, 'don’t count the days; make the days count.' Today we have the opportunity to make this day count—for the fighters who step into the ring, for the future of this sport, and for the integrity of competition itself. For these reasons, I urge my colleagues to vote yes on H.R. 4624.”
