California Commission Issues Unanimous Support for Ali Revival Act

As California goes, so goes the nation.

On Wednesday, the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) convened a public hearing regarding the statutory modifications to create the Muhammad Ali America Boxing Revival Act (H.R. 4624). This would not outright remove the original Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act (Ali Act), but it would provide another avenue for boxing promoters going forward. Going over the legislation drafted by representatives Brian Jack of Georgia and Sharice Davids of Kansas—the latter a two-time professional MMA fighter—the CSAC sought out public comment prior to their own deliberations.

A number of figures on both sides of the issue weighed in during the time for public comments, although many in favor of changing the Ali act currently work or have worked for TKO, the parent company of the UFC, like WWE president Nick Khan or UFC staple Forrest Griffin. No active boxers weighed in as proponents for the modifications, which would change how events can be sanctioned, permit organizers to serve as their own sanctioning bodies and allow those orgs to give out their own titles independent of the usual line of WBC et al.

Those pushing against these changes argue that the UFC would be able to change the nature of boxer pay, as the Ali Act provides a number of protections for the athletes including against predatory promotions. Additionally, giving an organization its own independent power to hold events, give out its own belts and pay what it chooses could serve as an anti-competitive practice in the boxing market.

All six voting members of the CSAC supported the changes, but this does not have an immediate impact by itself. For the new Muhammad Ali America Boxing Revival Act to pass, it will still have to go through the standard legislating practices of going through a committee as well as passing through the House and Senate. California’s support, however, will go a long way in convincing other states to go along with this new bill.

An Alternative System

Following the vote, the aforementioned Khan, who also serves as the co-chief of Zuffa Boxing along with UFC head Dana White, issued a statement on the commission’s decision.

“On behalf of Zuffa Boxing,” Khan wrote, “we want to thank the California State Athletic Commission for their thoughtful consideration of all voices presented in today’s hearing and for their unanimous (6-0) support for the Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act. This bill does not eliminate or change any of the existing provisions of the original Ali Act. What we are proposing is an alternative system in which fighters will have more choice and opportunities, better pay, greater health and safety protections, and more events in which to compete.”

Khan continued, “Also, as the commission is fully aware, the Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act is supported by Lonnie Ali, wife of the greatest, Muhammad Ali. We know Lonnie personally and can share with you what she said to us: ‘This is a great opportunity for boxers, and this is what Muhammad would have wanted.’”

This article first appeared at Recent News on Sherdog.com

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