Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act of 2026

Key Points

• Congress is proposing new rules to make professional boxing safer and fairer. The plan creates a way for private leagues to manage their own rankings and titles as long as they follow strict federal health and safety guidelines.
• Boxers would receive much more medical oversight, including annual physicals, brain scans every three years, and regular blood tests. Fighters over age 40 would have to pass extra heart and lung tests, and female boxers would be required to take pregnancy tests before every match.
• The policy requires more medical help at every fight. Organizers would have to provide at least three ambulances and four doctors at ringside. They must also provide health insurance that covers at least $25,000 for injuries sustained during a match, and the promoter must pay the insurance costs.
• For the first time, there would be a federal minimum pay for boxers. Promoters or leagues would be required to pay fighters at least $150 for every round they participate in during a match.
• To keep the sport honest, the bill bans boxers, their families, and their coaches from betting on their own fights. It also requires a strict drug-testing program run by independent groups to ensure fighters are not using banned substances.
• Leagues would be responsible for the costs of most medical tests and safety requirements. If league officials knowingly break these rules or pressure others to do so, they could face up to a year in prison or fines of $20,000.

Impact Analysis

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