USA Boxing Retracts Endorsement of Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act
In a notable development for the Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act (H.R. 4634), USA Boxing has opted to retract its endorsement, a move that may hinder the progress of the proposed legislation. Initially, USA Boxing expressed support for the bill, which aims to create Unified Boxing Organizations (UBOs), allowing them to establish their rankings and oversee events much like the structure within mixed martial arts overseen by the UFC.
Communication of Withdrawal
This shift in stance was communicated in a letter sent to Rep. Tim Walberg, the Republican Chairman of the U.S. House Education and Workforce Committee, and Rep. Bobby Scott, the committee’s Democratic ranking member. In the correspondence, USA Boxing explained that prior communications made on January 18, 2026, regarding the bill did not represent a formal position of the organization, as they lacked board approval at that time. Consequently, USA Boxing has officially retracted that previous statement and decided to remain neutral concerning H.R. 4634.
Legislative Background
Originally introduced last July by Representatives Brian Jack (R-Ga.) and Sharice Davids (D-Kan.), the bipartisan legislation seeks to unify various aspects of boxing by allowing for the establishment of these new UBOs. Such bodies are set to operate independently, managing their rankings and event promotions, thereby potentially merging the roles of promoters and sanctioning entities in boxing.
Potential Impact of the Act
Zuffa Boxing, a venture backed by TKO, is reportedly preparing to create a UBO, should the act be enacted. This initiative is in collaboration with Saudi Arabia’s SELA, and Zuffa has already unveiled plans for its championship title, with the inaugural match scheduled for this weekend, featuring Jai Opetaia facing Brandon Glanton.
The passage of the bill is currently dependent on the outcome of the upcoming votes in the House of Representatives, where it must secure a simple majority. USA Boxing’s earlier enthusiasm for the measure included appearances by notable figures such as WWE president Nick Khan and UFC’s Dana White at the recent USA Boxing championships, where they were actively scouting for prospective talent for their boxing enterprise.
Concerns and Skepticism
Despite this initial cooperation, USA Boxing’s withdrawal could potentially alter Congress’s perception of the bill and its implications for the sport. In the boxing community, there is growing skepticism about the bill’s intentions, with critics characterizing it as a strategy for TKO to gain increased control over professional boxing.
