Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act of 2026

Bill Number: H.R. 4624
Origin Chamber: House
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 2
Policy Area: Sports and Recreation
Status: Passed House
Latest Action: 2026-03-25: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Last Updated: 2026-06-11T23:41:28Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose of the Legislation

The Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act of 2026 amends the Professional Boxing Safety Act of 1996 to improve safety and opportunities for professional boxers. It introduces an alternative regulatory system through "unified boxing organizations" (UBOs), which are private associations, leagues, or centralized groups that organize matches under unified rules without relying on independent sanctioning bodies. The act aims to give boxers more choices in participation while strengthening protections for their health and well-being.

Key Provisions

Unified Boxing Organizations (UBOs): UBOs can comply with federal boxing safety laws if they meet enhanced requirements for boxers under contract and matches they organize. This includes:
Safety standards: Mandatory brain health exams after knockouts; annual supplemental exams (e.g., chest X-ray, blood tests, urinalysis) for boxers aged 40 or older.
Medical care at matches: At least two ambulances and two certified physicians (certified by the Association of Boxing Commissions and Association of Ringside Physicians after two years) present ringside.
Support for boxers: Access to training/rehabilitation facilities, additional injury insurance during training, and a dedicated medical coordinator for licensing and health needs.
Anti-doping program: In-competition testing for at least half the boxers per event, random no-notice testing, public lists of prohibited substances and penalties; tests administered by independent third parties, with penalties based on fault and severity.
Contracts: Minimum $200 per round payment; at least one fight every six months or equivalent pay (unless due to injury or uncontrollable reasons); contracts limited to six years; boxers can communicate with other organizations/promoters in the last 30 days.
Conduct policy: Bans betting on matches by boxers or related individuals (e.g., coaches, household members, UBO staff) and sharing insider information for gambling.
Conflicts of interest: Prohibits UBO officers/employees from financial stakes in boxer management, paying managers (with exceptions), or charging fees for rankings or match participation (except reasonable reimbursements).
Operational rules: Matches only in states with boxing commissions or compliant tribal areas; certified judges/referees; UBOs bear costs (except insurance deductibles, paid by boxers); public disclosure to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or via website.
General Boxing Standards:
Updated medical exams: Specifies validity periods (e.g., 1 year for physicals and heart tests, 6 months for certain blood tests) and minimum coverage ($50,000 for injuries, $15,000 for death).
Drug testing: Required for title matches and random for others, screening for state/tribal-prohibited substances or those from the Association of Boxing Commissions/World Anti-Doping Agency.
Title simplification: Only one championship per weight class; interim titles limited to cases of injury, refusal to defend, or uncontrollable reasons.
Minimum payments: $200 per round for all boxers.
Enforcement: Adds penalties (up to 1 year imprisonment and $20,000 fine) for willful violations by UBO officers/employees. Encourages the Association of Boxing Commissions to develop model codes and best practices for safety.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

Adds a new Section 24 to the Professional Boxing Safety Act defining UBOs and creating an alternative compliance path, allowing private organizations to self-regulate under federal standards without traditional sanctioning bodies.
Expands Section 5 (safety requirements) to include "industry standards," updates medical exam tables with specific tests and timelines, increases insurance minimums, and adds ringside physician certification.
Amends Section 7 (study and report on standards) to mandate drug testing protocols and adds a congressional "sense" urging uniform safety practices via model codes and annual commission evaluations.
Revises Section 16 to require certified judges/referees from state commissions or the Association of Boxing Commissions.
Updates definitions (e.g., "physician") and removes allowances for conflicts of interest in promoter payments.
Applies to matches 30 days after enactment, with some provisions (e.g., physician certification) phased in over two years.

Potential Impacts

On Government Agencies: Increases workload for the FTC (public disclosures, possible fees) and Association of Boxing Commissions (certifications, model codes, penalty decisions). State and tribal boxing commissions gain oversight of UBO matches but can enforce stricter local rules.
On Citizens (Boxers and Related Parties): Enhances boxer safety through better medical oversight and insurance, potentially reducing injuries; provides economic benefits like minimum pay and fight guarantees, increasing opportunities. Fans may see fairer, cleaner competitions with anti-doping and conduct rules.
On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, but could influence global boxing standards if U.S.-based UBOs adopt World Anti-Doping Agency lists, potentially harmonizing with international norms and affecting cross-border events.

Main Stakeholders Affected

Professional Boxers: Primary beneficiaries with improved safety, insurance, pay, and contract flexibility; must comply with testing and exams.
Unified Boxing Organizations and Promoters: New compliance option but face stricter rules on doping, conflicts, and finances; must invest in medical/support services.
Sanctioning Organizations: Limited by title simplification; may compete with or integrate into UBO systems.
State/Tribal Boxing Commissions: Retain regulatory authority; required for match approvals and drug/penalty decisions.
Medical Professionals (Physicians, Coordinators): Increased demand for certified ringside roles and exams.
Association of Boxing Commissions and Ringside Physicians: Expanded roles in certifications, standards, and enforcement.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Legal: Strengthens federal minimum standards for boxing while preserving state/tribal flexibility (no preemption of consistent local laws); introduces private-sector alternatives to reduce reliance on fragmented sanctioning, potentially streamlining enforcement but raising questions on UBO accountability. Adds criminal penalties for violations, emphasizing willful non-compliance.
Constitutional: No apparent challenges; aligns with Congress's commerce clause authority over interstate professional sports regulation, focusing on safety without infringing free speech or due process.
Political: Honors Muhammad Ali by promoting fair, safe boxing revival; reflects bipartisan interest in athlete protections amid concerns over injuries and exploitation, but could spark debate on federal vs. state roles or private regulation's effectiveness.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Jack, Brian [R-GA-3]

Cosponsors (13)

Rep. Davids, Sharice [D-KS-3], Rep. McDowell, Addison P. [R-NC-6], Rep. Smith, Christopher H. [R-NJ-4], Rep. Schmidt, Derek [R-KS-2], Rep. Van Drew, Jefferson [R-NJ-2], Rep. Horsford, Steven [D-NV-4], Rep. Stevens, Haley M. [D-MI-11], Rep. Figures, Shomari [D-AL-2], Rep. McIver, LaMonica [D-NJ-10], Rep. Amodei, Mark E. [R-NV-2], Rep. McGarvey, Morgan [D-KY-3], Rep. Jackson, Jonathan L. [D-IL-1], Rep. Titus, Dina [D-NV-1]

Recent Actions

2026-03-25: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
2026-03-24: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
2026-03-24: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H2641-2643)
2026-03-24: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
2026-03-24: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4624.
2026-03-24: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2641-2647)
2026-03-24: Mr. Walberg moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
2026-02-25: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 449.
2026-02-25: Committee on Energy and Commerce discharged.
2026-02-25: Committee on Energy and Commerce discharged.
2026-02-25: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Education and Workforce. H. Rept. 119-524, Part I.
2026-02-25: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Education and Workforce. H. Rept. 119-524, Part I.
2026-01-21: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 30 - 4.
2026-01-21: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
2025-07-23: Referred 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.

Bill Versions

Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act of 2026 — issued 2026-03-24 — PDF (28 pages)
Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act — issued 2025-07-23 — PDF (21 pages)
Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act of 2026 — issued 2026-03-25 — PDF (27 pages)
Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act of 2026 — issued 2026-02-25 — PDF (28 pages)