On Wednesday morning the House Subcommittee on Education & Workforce held a hearing on markups for H.R. 4624, the Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act (Boxing Revival Act).
Chairman Tim Walberg (R-MI) gave the opening statement. He supports the Boxing Revival Act and gave an overview of the bill. He also indicated his support of the Universal Boxing Organizations.
Minnesota Congresswoman Ilhan Omar (D-MN) provided an amendment that would allow boxers to communicate with other UBO. Also a fighter’s UBO must arrange a bout every 6 months, must pay them $200 per month when UBOs not getting them fight and would limit length of UBO contract to 6 years. Notably, the per-round pay for fighters was marked up to $200 per round which is an increase from the original amount of $150 in the bill. There was also an increase in the insurance requirement from $25K to $50K.
Ms. Omar indicated that her markup does not include legal remedies for boxers but it provides a start to protecting boxers’ from coercive contracts.
In addition, there was a proposed amendment by Congressman Mark Harris which would require 2 ambulances and 2 doctors to be present during events.
Another change would see sanctioning bodies reward just one belt per weight division. Hence, only in rare instances would there be an interim champ in addition to the regular champ.
In the marked up House bill of the revised Ali Act, it stipulates sanctioning bodies reward just one belt per division, with only extenuating circumstances allowing for the distribution of an interim belt. Big change if passed, as expected.
— Lance Pugmire (@pugboxing) January 21, 2026
The bill passed subcommittee markup and will go back to the full congressional committee for its own review. The GOP-majority Congress should move it through without much debate. According to multiple reports, it appears that they are trying to push hard to get the bill signed by House Speaker Johnson.
Payout Perpective:
Congresswoman’s Omar’s markups provide some hope in curbing exploitation of UBOs. But only on a small scale. One might surmise that there was a fight on how long contracts could be negotiated. Six years seems far too long to have someone under contract. In comparison NFL rookie contracts for first round players is for four years with a fifth year option. NBA has a similar four year contract for first round players. Other players have shorter terms. In addition, the $200 per round for fighters may not contemplate small promotions and startup shows. The increase in pay, while good for fighters, may see the elimination of smaller club shows put on by regional promoters.
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