Dear Members of the Boxing and Combat Sports Media,
I write to share with you an important update on the Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act (H.R.4624), introduced by myself and Representative Sharice Davids (KS-03) on July 23, 2025.
As a reminder, this bill allows for the creation of alternative systems called Unified Boxing Organizations (UBOs), which would provide boxers with better health and safety protections, greater compensation, and more choice and opportunities. UBOs would not replace the current sanctioning organizations, but would instead exist side-by-side and operate independently, giving boxers the freedom to choose which of the two systems – the existing sanctioning organizations model or the new UBO model – is most advantageous to them.
Today, this critical legislation was favorably reported out of the United States House Committee on Education and Workforce by a strong bipartisan vote of 30 – 4. 19 Republicans and 11 Democrats voted in favor of the Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act (H.R.4624).
Prior to the vote, the Committee adopted three amendments to this legislation by voice vote.
First, the Committee adopted an Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute offered by Chairman Tim Walberg, a Republican, that incorporated several enhancements, including:
- Increasing the proposed minimum payment-per-round from $150 to $200
- Expanding the proposed minimum medical coverage from $25,000 to $50,000
- Updating the proposed timelines and frequency requirements for mandatory medical testing, including eye exams, bloodwork, brain health testing, and related evaluations.
Second, the Committee adopted an amendment offered by Representative Mark Harris (NC-08), a Republican, that updates the minimum number of physicians and ambulances required to be present to two (2), ensuring continuous medical support during UBO bouts.
Third, the Committee adopted an amendment offered by Representative Ilhan Omar (MN-05), a Democrat, which also made several changes, including:
- Mandating boxer contracts be no longer than 6 years
- Updating the proposed free agency provisions to allow boxers, beginning 30 days prior to the expiration of their contracts, to initiate contact with other UBOs or promoters
- Establishing that, in the absence of a bout within any six-month period, a boxer is entitled to compensation equal to ten times the minimum per-round compensation of $200.
The Committee’s adoption of these amendments is reflective of my desire to create legislation with broad bipartisan support to revive one of America’s greatest sports in the name of one of its greatest champions, Muhammad Ali.
I am grateful for Chairman Tim Walberg’s and Ranking Member Bobby Scott’s thoughtful deliberations and good faith negotiations.
Today represents a critical step toward passage of the first update to federal boxing law in over a quarter century, and this legislation is now positioned for consideration by the full United States House of Representatives with strong bipartisan support.
I am deeply appreciative of the broad coalition of support this legislation has received from Lonnie Ali, the Association of Boxing Commissions, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, USA Boxing, former Heavyweight Champion Mike Tyson, and many others. Their advocacy made today possible.
Thank you for your coverage of one of America’s greatest sports.
Sincerely,
Brian Jack
Member of Congress
Georgia’s Third Congressional District
