Senate Hearing Exposes Sharp Divide Over Boxing’s Future as De La Hoya, Walsh Warn Against Ali Act Overhaul

A US Senate hearing on the future of boxing laid bare a sharp divide over the sport’s direction on Wednesday, as longtime figures including Oscar De La Hoya warned proposed changes could erode fighters’ rights while executives backed by the UFC pushed for a centralized model. At issue is a House-passed overhaul of the Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act that would allow creation of “Unified Boxing Organizations” (UBOs), which backers say would simplify matchmaking and attract investment. “When one system controls access, choice becomes theoretical, not real,” professional boxer Nico Ali Walsh told lawmakers. “When that happens, you fight who you’re told to fight or you don’t fight at all.” De La Hoya, a Hall of Famer and Golden Boy Promotions founder, argued the changes would concentrate power and weaken fighter protections. Meanwhile, WWE President Nick Khan—supporting the UFC-backed Zuffa Boxing model—said the goal is to restore boxing to its 1970s and 80s heights. What do you think? Let us know in the comments. Photo credit: Turki Alalshikh

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