Summary
Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act of 2026
This 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 example
- the 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, and
- boxers 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.
Legislative Journey
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
SenateMotion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
HouseOn motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
HousePassed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4624.
HouseConsidered under suspension of the rules.
HouseMr. Walberg moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
HousePlaced on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 449.
HouseCommittee on Energy and Commerce discharged.
HouseCommittee on Energy and Commerce discharged.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Education and Workforce. H. Rept. 119-524, Part I.
HouseReported (Amended) by the Committee on Education and Workforce. H. Rept. 119-524, Part I.
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 30 - 4.
HouseCommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
HouseReferred to the Committee on Education and Workforce, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
HouseReferred to the Committee on Education and Workforce, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
HouseIntroduced in House
Introduced in House