That’s a scary quote that should be a wake up call to every professional boxer in the United States.
In short the Ali Act gives professional boxers protection from exploitative contracts, lets them open the books on promoter revenues, keeps a firewall between managers and promoters and prohibits promoters from monopolizing titles so elite fighters can enjoy the benefits of an open and competitive market.
The quote comes from no other than Michael Mazzulli, the current president of the Association of Boxing Commissions and Combative Sports.
The full quote is as follows:
“Presently the UFC/TKO is requesting an amendment change to the Mohammad Ali Act. The board of directors is working with them to make sure the ABC is still part of the federal law.”
The context is an email sent earlier this week to regulators. It revolved around upcoming elections for a new president at this year’s ABC annual conference and Mazzulli’s displeasure that a nomination was put forward well ahead of time. But the bombshell is the confirmation that the Ali Act is under desired revision by a powerful promotion that is looking to break into the boxing business.
Managers, fighters and other stakeholders in the world of professional boxing must pay close attention. Key things to find out are what exact changes are the UFC/TKO looking for? What is the ABC doing to ensure these will not hurt the financial interests of boxers and make them more prone to exploitation? Which politicians are going to table the bill? What are they doing to actually consult with professional boxers who don’t have a professional association to advance their interests?
Combat Sports Law 