California endorses the Muhammad Ali Act, which seeks to reform boxing

The California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) voted 6-0 to endorse the Muhammad Ali American Boxing Renaissance Act, a reform bill that promises to redefine the labor and competitive model of professional boxing across the United States.

Introduced on July 23 by Reps. Brian Jack (R-Ga.) and Sharice Davids (D-Kan.), the legislation builds on the 2000 Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act and the 1996 Professional Boxing Safety Act. It seeks to establish an alternative regulatory system designed to protect fighters, boost pay, and improve safety standards.

The CSAC’s support marks a significant development in an increasingly divided combat sports industry. Promoters and executives have largely welcomed the move, while traditional boxing figures and former fighters have expressed concern that the reform could centralize too much power among major promoters.

Supporters call it a “historic opportunity” for fighters

During the public session, WWE president and TKO Group board member Nick Khan praised California’s decision, speaking on behalf of Zuffa Boxing, a Dana White–affiliated company. Khan said the bill would “create more opportunities, better pay, and higher safety standards for boxers.”

He also noted that the proposal has the backing of Lonnie Ali, widow of the legendary heavyweight champion, who called it “a great opportunity for fighters, and exactly what Muhammad would have wanted.”

Promoters Tom Loeffler and Cory Rapacz, former referee John McCarthy, ex-UFC fighter Chris Leben, and former champion Forrest Griffin also voiced support, arguing the bill could breathe new life into boxing at a time when mixed martial arts dominate the combat sports landscape.

Under the proposed law, Unified Boxing Organizations (UBOs) would be created as alternative sanctioning bodies to those currently in place, giving fighters greater freedom to choose where and when they compete. The bill also sets a national minimum pay of $150 per round and requires at least $25,000 in medical coverage for injuries sustained during bouts.

It includes further measures such as standardized medical exams, consistent anti-doping protocols, and bans on internal betting.

Critics warn of power imbalance

Not everyone is convinced. The hearing also featured criticism from former UFC fighters, trainers, managers, and journalists. Notably, no active professional boxers were present.

Opponents argue the UBO system could give large promoters too much control over both event organization and fighter contracts. Nico Ali Walsh, grandson of Muhammad Ali, voiced concern that the structure might “recreate the UFC’s model, where one entity regulates, promotes, and determines fighter pay.”

Some also questioned whether the proposed $150 per-round minimum pay truly benefits professional fighters, warning that the plan could weaken historic sanctioning bodies like the WBC, WBA, IBF, and WBO.

Golden Boy Promotions founder Oscar De La Hoya criticized the commission’s decision on Instagram, writing that “a boxer’s main goal should be to fight for the WBC, WBA, IBF, and WBO,” making clear his opposition to TKO Group’s proposed parallel system.

What comes next for the Muhammad Ali Act reform

California’s endorsement marks the first instance of state-level institutional support for the bill, which still awaits a congressional hearing in the U.S. House of Representatives. The bipartisan proposal aims to expand fighter protections and labor rights nationwide, potentially ushering in a new chapter in how boxing is regulated in America.

With state approval in hand, Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing is reportedly preparing to launch its operations in 2026. Meanwhile, the traditional boxing establishment is watching closely, wary of a reform that could transform the sport’s structure while leaving its old foundations in question.

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