Lou DiBella: New Ali Act Bill Puts TKO Over Fighters

Even when the boxing schedule is a little light, there is always some news, and a subject that has split opinion is a proposed bill, backed by TKO Group, to change The Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act. introduced in 1999 and enacted in 2000, the act was designed to protect the rights and welfare of boxers, support boxing commissions in running the sport, and to help build integrity and sportsmanship across boxing. Respected boxing promoter Lou DiBella has spoken to Fight Hub TV, about these proposed changes backed by TKO.

TKO Group Holdings, the parent company of UFC and WWE, is backing a new bill in Congress called the Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act, which would create an alternative to the current rules under the Ali Act. The legislation would allow the formation of unified boxing organisations that could run their own rankings, titles and fighter contracts, similar to the model adopted by the UFC.

Supporters, including the Association of Boxing Commissions and Muhammad Ali’s widow, say it will improve pay, safety and health protections for fighters. Critics, such as Ali’s grandson Nico Ali Walsh, warn it would hand too much power to promoters. Ali had his say on X: “As an Ali, I am completely against modifying the Muhammad Ali Act,” he wrote. “My grandfather fought for this law to protect boxers from being exploited. If it’s removed, promoters take control while boxers get paid less. Keep the law and protect the boxers who risk their lives.”

Read More: Former Opponent of Canelo and Crawford Breaks Down September 13 Superfight

The backing of the new bill comes as TKO prepares to launch its new Zuffa Boxing venture, with its first major event, Canelo Alvarez vs Terence Crawford, scheduled for September 13.

“Interestingly, it may not hurt the run-of-the-mill fighter. The guy that right now is struggling to feed himself because this thing requires if someone is going to be their own sanctioning body, they have to provide medical coverage, (and) training facilities. Historically, the UFC and the WWE, with respect to people that tour with them and perform for them, aren’t stars; those people can make ends meet better than the lower-level guy in boxing.

Read More: Canelo vs Crawford: Andre Ward Reveals What Could Decide September 13