The Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act passed the House of Representatives on Tuesday, giving boxing a major legal development that could reshape how promotions operate and how fighters are protected.
The bill was introduced by Congressman Brian Jack of Georgia and Congresswoman Sharice Davids of Kansas in a bipartisan effort. It advanced under suspension of the rules, which required a two thirds majority and signaled broad support across both parties.
Jack described the vote as a landmark moment for the sport.
“The House of Representatives made history today by passing by voice vote landmark boxing legislation that will revive one of America’s greatest sports in the name of one of America’s greatest athletes,” Jack said in a statement. “Professional boxing is the only sport regulated by Congress, and ambiguity in current law adopted over a quarter century ago has adversely affected boxers and stifled investment.
“The Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act strengthens safety protections for boxers, improves the quality of life for boxers, and establishes a framework for innovation within the sport to flourish.”
The legal move lands at a time when fighter pay and promotion structure are already under heavy debate across combat sports, including recent MiddleEasy reporting on pay model and top 100 pay.
Muhammad Ali American Boxing revival act:
Today’s full house floor speeches are below. All but one of the reps were for the bill.
Joe Courtney was the only one to speak up against the bill. https://t.co/ZowK9gR88l pic.twitter.com/VR24ERrBBW
— BOXING n BBQ (@BOXINGnBBQ) March 24, 2026
What this bill changes and why people are watching it closely
The proposal does not replace the original Ali Act passed in 2000. Instead, it adds new provisions that include creation of United Boxing Organizations, allowing a UFC style model in boxing with exclusive contracts, promotion run rankings, and titles under defined safeguards.
It also includes a national per round minimum payment and stronger drug testing requirements. Those two pieces make this a significant policy update, especially for undercard and developing boxers who often carry high risk for lower purses.
Supporters during the hearing included lawmakers from both sides, including Jim Jordan and Ilhan Omar. Opposition existed too, with a letter submitted by Top Rank promoter Bob Arum, but the bill still passed with a clear majority.
The vote also fits the wider industry conversation around control, contracts, and revenue flow, themes reflected in MiddleEasy coverage like zuffa boxing, fighters first, and hearn reaction.
Now the bill heads to the Senate. If it clears that chamber, it moves toward final signature and potential federal implementation.
