[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 4624 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 4624
To amend the Professional Boxing Safety Act of 1996 to establish
requirements for unified boxing organizations, to further enhance the
well-being of professional boxers, and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
July 23, 2025
Mr. Jack (for himself and Ms. Davids of Kansas) introduced the
following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Education and
Workforce, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for
a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for
consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the
committee concerned
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To amend the Professional Boxing Safety Act of 1996 to establish
requirements for unified boxing organizations, to further enhance the
well-being of professional boxers, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival
Act''.
SEC. 2. PURPOSES.
The purposes of this Act are--
(1) to provide increased choice and opportunity to
professional boxers by allowing a professional boxer to choose
to participate in the alternative system offered by a unified
boxing organization; and
(2) to further enhance safety precautions that protect the
well-being of professional boxers.
SEC. 3. UNIFIED BOXING ORGANIZATIONS.
(a) In General.--The Professional Boxing Safety Act of 1996 (15
U.S.C. 6301 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``SEC. 24. UNIFIED BOXING ORGANIZATIONS.
``(a) Alternative System for Compliance With the Requirements of
This Act.--A unified boxing organization (in this section referred to
as a `UBO') shall be deemed to be in compliance with the requirements
of this Act if the UBO meets the conditions of this section with
respect to--
``(1) each boxer under contract with the UBO; and
``(2) each professional boxing match organized by the UBO
(in this section referred to as a `covered match').
``(b) Safety and Industry Standards.--A condition of this section
is that a UBO meets the requirements of section 5.
``(c) Medical Examinations.--
``(1) Annual examinations.--
``(A) In general.--A condition of this section is
that a UBO ensures that each boxer who participates in
a covered match undergoes a medical examination
conducted by a licensed physician that measures the
overall health condition of the boxer and affirms the
fitness of the boxer to safely participate in a covered
match.
``(B) Elements.--A medical examination under
subparagraph (A) shall include the following:
``(i) A physical examination.
``(ii) An eye examination.
``(iii) A human immunodeficiency virus
test.
``(iv) A hepatitis B surface antigen test.
``(v) A hepatitis C antibody test.
``(C) Frequency.--A medical examination of a boxer
under subparagraph (A) shall occur--
``(i) on or before the date on which the
boxer participates in the first covered match
of the boxer; and
``(ii) at least annually thereafter.
``(2) Pregnancy tests.--
``(A) In general.--A condition of this section is
that a UBO ensures that a female boxer who participates
in a covered match undergoes, for each such match, a
blood test that affirms that the boxer is not pregnant.
``(B) Timing.--A pregnancy test conducted under
subparagraph (A) with respect to a covered match shall
be carried out during the 14-day period preceding the
date of the match.
``(3) Magnetic resonance imaging tests.--
``(A) In general.--A condition of this section is
that a UBO ensures that each boxer who participates in
a covered match undergoes the following tests that
measure any abnormality in the brain of the boxer and
affirm the fitness of the boxer to safely participate
in a covered match:
``(i) A magnetic resonance imaging test of
the brain.
``(ii) A magnetic resonance angiography
test of the brain.
``(B) Frequency.--Except as provided under
subparagraph (C), the tests to be conducted under
subparagraph (A) shall occur--
``(i) on or before the date on which the
boxer participates in the first covered match
of the boxer; and
``(ii) at least every three years
thereafter.
``(C) Special rule.--
``(i) In general.--Notwithstanding
subparagraph (B), in the case of a boxer who
suffers a knockout during a covered match, a
UBO shall require more frequent tests under
this paragraph.
``(ii) Cost.--The cost of a test under this
subparagraph shall be the financial
responsibility of the UBO concerned.
``(4) Supplemental medical examination for boxers who are
40 years of age or older.--
``(A) In general.--A condition of this section is
that a UBO ensures that a boxer who participates in a
covered match at the age of 40 or older undergoes, in
additional to the medical examination required under
this subsection, a supplemental medical examination
conducted by a licensed physician that affirms the
fitness of the boxer to safely participate in a covered
match.
``(B) Elements.--A supplemental medical examination
under subparagraph (A) shall include the following:
``(i) A chest X-ray.
``(ii) An electrocardiogram.
``(iii) A urinalysis to measure the overall
health condition of the boxer.
``(iv) A comprehensive metabolic panel
blood test.
``(C) Frequency.--The tests to be conducted under
subparagraph (B) shall occur at least annually, except
that a chest X-ray under subparagraph (B)(i) shall
occur at least once every six years.
``(d) Provision of Medical Care During Matches.--
``(1) Ambulances.--
``(A) In general.--A condition of this section is
that, as a prerequisite for a covered match, a UBO
provides, at a minimum, two ambulances present on site
of the match, throughout the duration of the match, in
addition to the ambulance required to be present on
site of the match under section 5(a)(2).
``(B) Use of ambulances.--An ambulance provided for
a match under subparagraph (A) shall be for the
exclusive use of any boxer participating in the match.
``(C) Replacement ambulance.--If an ambulance
provided for a match under subparagraph (A) leaves the
site of the match, the UBO shall replace the unit with
another ambulance.
``(2) Ringside presence.--A condition of this section is
that, as a prerequisite for a covered match, a UBO provides, at
a minimum, three licensed physicians, who shall be continuously
present at ringside during the match, in addition to the
licensed physician required to be present at ringside during
the match under section 5(a)(3).
``(3) Cost.--The cost of satisfying the conditions of this
subsection shall be the financial responsibility of the UBO
concerned.
``(e) Support Services for Boxers Under Contract With a UBO.--
``(1) Equipment and facilities for training and
rehabilitation.--A condition of this section is that, during
the period in which a boxer is under contract with a UBO, the
UBO ensures that the boxer has access to equipment and
facilities that are operated by the UBO for training and
rehabilitation.
``(2) Insurance policy.--In addition to providing health
insurance under section 5(a)(4), a condition of this section is
that, during the period in which a boxer is under contract with
a UBO, the UBO ensures that the boxer has in effect an
insurance policy that provides medical coverage for any injury
sustained by the boxer during the period of training for a
covered match.
``(3) Medical coordinator.--A condition of this section is
that, during the period in which a boxer is under contract with
a UBO, the UBO assigns a medical coordinator to the boxer to
assist the boxer with satisfying medical and licensing
requirements related to the participation of the boxer in a
covered match.
``(4) Cost.--The cost of satisfying the conditions of this
subsection shall be the financial responsibility of the UBO
concerned, except the cost of any deductible for health
insurance under paragraph (2) shall be the financial
responsibility of the boxer concerned.
``(f) Anti-Doping Program.--
``(1) In general.--A condition of this section is that a
UBO has in effect a comprehensive anti-doping program that
includes the testing and requirements related to such testing
under this subsection.
``(2) In-competition testing.--As a prerequisite for a
covered match, the UBO shall ensure that testing is conducted
for at least half the boxers participating in the matches
organized by the UBO for an event that--
``(A) occurs during the period beginning on the
date of a weigh-in for the match and ending on the date
of the match; and
``(B) determines whether a boxer is positive or
negative for each substance prohibited by--
``(i) the boxing commission of the State in
which the match is held; or
``(ii) in the case of a covered match held
within a reservation (as defined by section
21), the tribal organization (as defined by
section 21 and that meets the requirements of
section 21) regulating the match.
``(3) No-notice testing.--During the period in which a
boxer is under contract with a UBO, the UBO may conduct
testing--
``(A) with no advance notice to the boxer; and
``(B) that determines whether a boxer is positive
or negative for each substance prohibited by the UBO.
``(4) Administration of tests.--An independent third-party
shall conduct the testing under paragraphs (2) and (3),
including with respect to--
``(A) carrying out each test;
``(B) determining the result of each test; and
``(C) reporting a positive result of a test to--
``(i) the UBO concerned; and
``(ii) if applicable--
``(I) the boxing commission of the
State in which a covered match is held;
or
``(II) the Association of Boxing
Commissions.
``(5) Penalties.--
``(A) In general.--A UBO shall implement any
penalty decided--
``(i) with respect to a positive test
result received under paragraph (4) related to
the testing conducted under paragraph (2), by--
``(I) the boxing commission of the
State in which a covered match is held;
or
``(II) the Association of Boxing
Commissions; and
``(ii) with respect to a positive test
result reported by an independent third-party
under paragraph (4) related to the testing
conducted under paragraph (3), by the
independent third-party.
``(B) Assessment for penalties.--In imposing a
penalty on a boxer for whom the independent third-party
reports a positive test result under paragraph (4), the
boxing commission, the Association of Boxing
Commissions, or the independent third-party described
in subparagraph (A) should assess--
``(i) the seriousness of the positive test
result in relation to the participation of the
boxer in a covered match; and
``(ii) the degree to which the boxer is at
fault for the positive test result.
``(6) List of prohibited substances and penalties.--A UBO
shall publish, and make available to the public on an on-going
basis, a list that identifies--
``(A) each substance tested for under the anti-
doping program of the UBO; and
``(B) each penalty imposed on a boxer under
paragraph (5).
``(7) Contract requirement.--A UBO shall include in any
contract entered into between the UBO and a boxer regarding
participation in covered matches such terms and conditions as
may be necessary to require the boxer to submit to testing
under this subsection during the period of the contract.
``(8) Cost.--The cost of the anti-doping program may not be
the financial responsibility of the boxer concerned.
``(g) Boxing Conduct Policy.--
``(1) In general.--A condition of this section is that a
UBO implements and ensures compliance with a comprehensive
boxing conduct policy that prohibits a boxer, or any covered
individual, who is directly involved with or participates in a
covered match from--
``(A) placing a bet or wager, directly or through a
third party, on the match; and
``(B) sharing non-public information with a third
party that is material to the performance of a boxer
participating in the match or the outcome of the match
for the purpose of assisting the third party in placing
a bet or wager on the match.
``(2) Compliance.--A UBO shall implement and ensure
compliance with procedures for monitoring and enforcing
compliance with the boxing conduct policy implemented under
paragraph (1).
``(3) Covered individual defined.--In this subsection, the
term `covered individual' means, with respect to a boxer who
participates in a covered match, any of the following:
``(A) An adult living in the same household as the
boxer.
``(B) A coach, manager, or athletic trainer of the
boxer.
``(C) A physician or other medical professional who
provides services to the boxer.
``(D) An employee, officer, or director of the UBO
concerned.
``(E) An agent of any such person who is directly
involved with or participates in a covered match.
``(h) Conflicts of Interest.--A condition of this section is that a
UBO implements prohibitions against the following:
``(1) Any direct or indirect financial interest in the
management of a boxer in relation to the participation of the
boxer in a covered match.
``(2) Employment of, or making a payment to, a manager who
represents a boxer who participates in a covered match,
except--
``(A) when the boxer acts as their own manager; or
``(B) for any consideration paid by the UBO to the
manager under the contract between the manager and the
boxer.
``(3) Receiving or requesting from a boxer the payment of a
fee related to--
``(A) the ranking of the boxer; and
``(B) the participation of the boxer in a covered
match--
``(i) including any fee related to a boxer
participating in a covered match in which the
boxer will be challenging a champion or
defending a championship, including any award;
and
``(ii) excluding any cost related to a
boxer reimbursing a UBO for reasonable expenses
incurred by the UBO on behalf of the boxer in
relation to the participation of the boxer in a
covered match, including any medical expense
and travel expense.
``(i) Boxing Commissions.--
``(1) Prohibition.--A condition of this section is that a
covered match may not be held--
``(A) in a State without a boxing commission; or
``(B) within a reservation (as defined by section
21) under the jurisdiction of a tribal organization (as
defined by section 21) that does not meet the
requirements of section 21.
``(2) Judges and referees.--A condition of this section is
that a UBO meets the requirements of section 16.
``(j) Federal Trade Commission Filing.--
``(1) In general.--A condition of this section is that, on
the date in which a UBO intends to claim status as a UBO for
purposes of this section, the UBO submits to the Federal Trade
Commission and to the Association of Boxing Commissions
information regarding the UBO, including the following:
``(A) The State in which the UBO is incorporated.
``(B) The business address of the UBO.
``(C) The website of the UBO.
``(2) Format; updates.--To meet the condition of this
subsection, the UBO shall--
``(A) provide the information described in
paragraph (1) in--
``(i) writing; and
``(ii) for any document greater than 2
pages in length, electronic form; and
``(B) promptly notify the Federal Trade Commission
of any material change in the information submitted.
``(3) Federal trade commission to make information
available to public.--The Federal Trade Commission--
``(A) shall make information received under this
subsection available to the public; and
``(B) may assess the UBO a fee to offset the costs
the Commission incurs in processing the information and
in making the information available to the public.
``(4) Internet alternative.--In lieu of submitting the
information described in paragraph (1) to the Federal Trade
Commission, a UBO may provide the information to the general
public by maintaining a website on the internet that meets the
following requirements:
``(A) Is readily accessible by the general public
using generally available search engines.
``(B) For full access to the information, does not
require a password or payment of a fee.
``(C) Contains the information described in
paragraph (1) in a format that is easy to search and
use.
``(D) Is updated when there is a material change in
the information.
``(k) Relationship With State Law.--Nothing in this section shall
prohibit a State from adopting or enforcing supplemental laws or
regulations not inconsistent with this section, or criminal, civil, or
administrative fines for violations of such laws or regulations.''.
(b) Enforcement.--Section 18(b) of the Professional Boxing Safety
Act of 1996 (15 U.S.C. 6309(b)) is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``(5) Unified boxing organizations.--Any officer or
employee of a unified boxing organization who willfully and
knowingly violates, or coerces or causes any other person to
violate, section 24 shall, upon conviction, be imprisoned for
not more than 1 year or fined not more than $20,000, or
both.''.
(c) Definition.--Section 2 of the Professional Boxing Safety Act of
1996 (15 U.S.C. 6301) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(16) Unified boxing organization.--The term `unified
boxing organization' means an association, a league, or a
centralized industry organization in the private sector that--
``(A) organizes a professional boxing match in a
system in which a boxer under contract with such
association, league, or centralized industry
organization competes against another such boxer
pursuant to unified rules; and
``(B) without reliance on a sanctioning
organization operating independently of such
association, league, or centralized industry
organization, implements a system for title belts and
ranking for boxers under contract with such
association, league, or centralized industry
organization.''.
SEC. 4. BOXING INDUSTRY STANDARDS.
(a) Boxer Safety and Industry Standards.--Section 5 of the
Professional Boxing Safety Act of 1996 (15 U.S.C. 6304) is amended--
(1) in the section heading, by inserting ``and industry''
after ``safety'';
(2) in the matter preceding paragraph (1)--
(A) by striking ``No person'' and inserting the
following:
``(a) Health and Safety of Boxers.--No person''; and
(B) by inserting ``, at a minimum,'' after ``that
provides'';
(3) in subsection (a), as so designated--
(A) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``, including an
eye examination and blood work,'' after ``physical
examination''; and
(B) by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the
following:
``(4) For each boxer, health insurance that--
``(A) provides a minimum of $25,000 in medical
coverage for any injuries sustained in the match; and
``(B) with respect to any premium, is not the
financial responsibility of the boxer.''; and
(4) by adding after subsection (a), as designated by
paragraph (2) of this subsection, the following:
``(b) Minimum Payment to Boxers.--A promoter or unified boxing
organization shall pay a minimum of $150 to each boxer for each round
in a match in which the boxer participates.''.
(b) Judges and Referees.--Section 16 of the Professional Boxing
Safety Act of 1996 (15 U.S.C. 6307h) is amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 16 JUDGES AND REFEREES.
``No person may arrange, promote, organize, produce, or fight in a
professional boxing match unless all referees and judges participating
in the match have been certified and approved by--
``(1) the boxing commission responsible for regulating the
match in the State where the match is held; or
``(2) the Association of Boxing Commissions.''.
(c) Effective Date.--Section 23 of the Professional Boxing Safety
Act of 1996 (15 U.S.C. 6301) is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``(3) The amendments made in section 4(a) of the Muhammad
Ali American Boxing Revival Act shall take effect 30 days after
the date of enactment of such Act.''.
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