The grandson of legendary boxer and civil rights figure Muhammad Ali has reached out to UFC founder Dana White. White is leading efforts to revive a law named after Ali. The Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act of 2026, an update of a 2000 law, is under scrutiny as White and TKO Group expand into boxing through Zuffa Boxing.
The proposed bill would enable new ‘Unified Boxing Organizations’ (UBOs) to manage fighters, organize matches, establish rankings, and award titles under a unified system. According to the Congressional Budget Office, UBOs could contract with boxers, promote events, and operate rankings and title systems.
Nico Ali Walsh, Ali’s grandson, expressed his desire to discuss the bill with White. ‘My direct and respectful message to Dana White: We know what my grandfather’s legacy means to this sport, and we both know that as this bill stands, it should not have his name on it. I respect all you’ve done with the UFC,’ Walsh stated. ‘We both live in Vegas, and I’m asking you, let’s have a sit-down, public or private, you choose. Let’s discuss the Ali Act, fighter protections, and what’s truly best for us fighters. Let’s do this for the sport we both love.’
Walsh, born to Muhammad’s daughter Rasheda Ali, represents the Ali family’s boxing heritage. He is also the nephew of former champion Laila Ali.
The original Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act became law in 2000, co-sponsored by John McCain. It aimed to protect boxers from unfair practices and maintained a separation between promoters and managers. Under this law, a promoter cannot have a financial interest in a boxer’s management, and a manager cannot financially benefit from a boxer’s promotion.
Walsh believes the new bill compromises these protections, potentially allowing one body to act as promoter, matchmaker, ranking entity, and title system simultaneously. ‘That’s what the current Muhammad Ali Act protects from happening in boxing,’ Walsh stated.
The bill has bipartisan support, co-sponsored by Representatives Brian Jack (R-GA) and Sharice Davids (D-KS). It passed the House overwhelmingly and is now with the Senate Commerce Committee.
Promoter Oscar De La Hoya also criticizes the bill, asserting that it threatens the original Ali Act’s core principles and could create near-monopolies in boxing.
Despite concerns, Walsh acknowledges that updates to the 2000 law are overdue. ‘There could be plenty of things updated. The bill, the original Ali Act was made in the early 2000s. Of course, it’s been 20-plus years, so things can be refreshed, revamped. One of the biggest things is the health benefits,’ Walsh noted.
Supporters claim the Revival Act aims to modernize boxing, introducing new safety and business rules for UBOs to enhance boxers’ well-being.
Walsh urges fighters and fans to educate themselves on the Ali Act and to speak out. ‘You need to know your rights as a fighter,’ Walsh said.
Fox News Digital has contacted the UFC for comment. Jackson Thompson, a sports reporter for Fox News Digital, covers significant political and cultural sports issues.
Leave a Reply