On Thursday morning, a Congressional hearing took place which heard testimony about proposed legislation for the Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Revival Act.
There were four witnesses: Lawrence Epstein of Zuffa, California State Athletic Executive Andy Foster, Association of Boxing Commissions (ABC) Attorney Pat English and Muhammad Ali’s widow Lonnie Ali provided testimony.
Ali, the fourth wife of Ali, was the sympathetic witness offering testimony on behalf of the proposed law. Ali’s testimony focused on the health and safety of the fighters. The proposed law would provide head injury testing and insurance for fighters signed to a Universal Boxing Organization.
The UBOs would run parallel to the normal industry standard of sanctioning organizations and promoters. It is this model that is sought by TKO’s new entrant into boxing, Zuffa Boxing. With an investment from Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh Season, Dana White’s promotion seeks to disrupt the current industry. As many opponents believe, the reason why Zuffa Boxing is pushing for the legislation is due to
Earlier this week, Terence Crawford caused a social media commotion when he refused to pay the standard sanctioning fees for his fight with Canelo Alvarez. As a result, he was stripped of his WBC title. Despite this being a standard fee as part of sanctioning a fight, TKO used this opportunity to work with Crawford in highlighting what can be seen from someone not following as a fractured system that must be fixed. Randy Fine, a Republican Congressman from Florida, mischaracterized Crawford’s refusal to pay as a sign that sanctioning bodies are attempting to take advantage of boxers like Crawford. Notably, what was not mentioned today was the fact that Crawford was paid $50 million for his fight and was required to pay $300,000.
Ilhan Omar, the Democratic congresswoman from Minnesota, stressed the concern that corporate interests may have in the new legislation. Omar also grilled Epstein about the UFC antitrust lawsuits to which Epstein noted that the Le case that was settled for $375 million was a business decision and not an admission of liability. Still, Epstein could not respond with a number or percentage it would dedicate to fighters out of its fight revenue.
This is notable since Epstein could still answer the question and be vague. It would still give the company the public relations high road even though the percentage or number would be undefined. On the other hand, its clear that TKO does not want to be held or pinned down to something it may turn around and change. Moreover, not saying anything allows for Zuffa Boxing to do what it may with percentages.
UFC settled a huge antitrust case after allegedly underpaying their fighters.
— Rep. Ilhan Omar (@Ilhan) December 4, 2025
So I asked:
What revenue share will boxers get under a Zuffa Boxing League? pic.twitter.com/lxNhVm6o9n
English was the only witness with opposition to the new law. English, who has litigated boxing lawsuits, identified the issues with the UBO model and the potential for the suppression of fighter rights. He also noted that the new legislation does not require a UBO to report positive drug testing results to sanctioning bodies. The clause states, “if applicable” and does not require reporting to a sanctioning body or athletic commission.
Payout Perspective:
Its interesting that there were not many reports (if any) of Thursday’s hearing. The legislative process is long and arduous but I get the vibe that TKO is trying to get this law into place quickly so that it can implement its UBO. Thus, not a lot of information on it. However, if the law is passed, there is no turning back from the UBO model which lead to bad contracts for fighters. And, while there are some redeeming parts of the Act, its clear this does not address issues that fighters may (and likely will) have and is at the behest of TKO.
MMA Payout will have more from this hearing.
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