The Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act of 2026 improves safety standards in professional boxing and gives boxers more choices about their careers. It focuses on protecting boxers' health, especially for older athletes and those who experience knockouts.
Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act of 2026This bill authorizes the establishment of private-sector Unified Boxing Organizations (UBOs) and otherwise expands the regulatory framework for professional boxing. (See CRS Report IF12982 for an overview of the federal regulation of professional boxing in the United States.) Under the bill, UBOs may organize matches involving boxers contracted with the UBO and must comply with other regulations with respect to such matches (e. g., conduct matches under the authority of a state boxing commission). UBOs also operate alongside existing professional boxing organizations (e. g., World Boxing Council (WBC)). UBOs must meet certain additional requirements, for examplethe UBO must implement an anti-doping program that includes drug testing in advance of matches, boxers age 40 or older must receive supplemental physical examinations, each match must have at least two ambulances on site, andboxers must have access to equipment and facilities that are operated by the UBO for training and rehabilitation. The bill also expands the required health insurance coverage and minimum pay for all professional boxers. Further, the bill requires state boxing commissions to establish procedures to ensure that drug tests are administered for title matches and at random for all other matches.
