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119-s-5188119th CongressWALLET

Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act of 2026

Sponsored By: Senator Cruz, Ted [R-TX]

In Committee

Summary

A regulated alternative pathway would let private "unified boxing organizations" run a parallel system of contracted boxers and titles while adding stronger medical, anti‑doping, contract, and transparency rules to improve boxer choice and safety.

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  • Boxers: Contracts would guarantee a minimum of $200 per round, limit most contracts to 6 years, cap a first professional agreement at 3 years, and preserve a 90‑day communication window before a contract ends.
  • Safety and medical care: The bill would require brain‑health exams after knockouts, annual supplemental exams for boxers age 40 and older, at least one additional on‑site ambulance per covered match, and extra certified ringside physicians with later mandatory certification by boxing safety groups.
  • Governance, anti‑doping, and enforcement: Organizations would run comprehensive anti‑doping programs that test at least one‑half of fighters in each event, file bylaws and rating criteria with regulators, block betting and conflicts of interest, and face penalties including up to 1 year in prison or a $20,000 fine for certain violations.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

7 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 4 mixed.

Stronger pay and contract rules

If enacted, promotional contracts would cap a boxer's first agreement at 3 years and later contracts at 6 years. Contracts would require a minimum per-round pay of at least $200. If a boxer is not matched at least once every six months, the contract would guarantee pay equal to at least 10 times the minimum per-round rate (at least $2,000 when the rate is $200). During the last 90 days of a contract a boxer could talk with other promoters but could not sign a new deal until the current one ends.

More medical care and support for boxers

If enacted, each covered match would need an extra on-site ambulance and at least one extra licensed ringside physician. Two years after enactment those ringside doctors would need certification from the named program. A boxer who is knocked out would have to complete brain-health exams before fighting again. Boxers age 40 or older would need extra annual exams, including a chest X-ray at least once every 6 years. While under contract, organizations would provide reasonable-cost access to local training and rehab, insurance that covers training injuries, and a medical coordinator. The organization would pay most compliance costs, but a boxer's health-insurance deductible would remain the boxer's responsibility.

New anti-doping testing rules for boxers

If enacted, unified boxing groups would have to run a comprehensive anti-doping program. At least half of the boxers at each covered match would be tested in-competition between the weigh-in and the match. Organizations could do no-notice testing while a boxer is under contract. An independent third party would run tests and report positives to the organization, the applicable boxing commission or tribal regulator, and the Association of Boxing Commissions. Each organization would publish annually the substances it tested for and penalties imposed.

Criminal penalties for organization officers

If enacted, an officer or employee of a unified boxing organization who knowingly violates or coerces others to violate section 21A would face criminal penalties. On conviction they could be jailed for up to 1 year, fined up to $20,000, or both.

Limits on match venues and officials

If enacted, covered matches could not be held in a State that lacks a boxing commission. Matches on tribal reservations could not be held unless the tribal regulator meets the bill's standards. The bill would also require that all referees and judges be certified and approved by the State boxing commission or the Association of Boxing Commissions before a professional match may take place.

Bans on betting and insider conflicts

If enacted, unified boxing organizations would have to bar any boxer or covered individual directly involved in a match from betting on that match. They would also have to stop people in the organization from sharing private match information to influence bets. Officers and staff could not hold direct or indirect financial interests in boxer management or get payments tied to rankings or participation, though narrow exceptions and reimbursements for reasonable expenses are allowed. Organizations must monitor and enforce these rules and follow state or tribal suspensions.

Rules for unified boxing groups

If enacted, the bill would create a new, alternative compliance path so an organization can be treated as compliant by meeting section 5 plus the new section 21A rules for each contracted boxer and each covered match. It would add legal definitions for key terms like 'unified boxing organization' and 'covered match' so it is clear who the rules apply to. When a group claims unified status it would have to file its incorporation state, address, and website with the FTC and the Association of Boxing Commissions. Groups that run boxer ratings would also have to file or publish rating criteria, bylaws, appeals steps, and voting-official names by January 31 each year.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Cruz, Ted [R-TX]

TX • R

Cosponsors

  • Sen. Rosen, Jacky [D-NV]

    NV • D

    Sponsored 7/30/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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