Grandson of Ali Voices Out Against Family‑Named Bill

Nico Ali Walsh, a pro boxer and Muhammad Ali’s grandson, stepped onto the Senate floor to speak against a new law that carries his family name. The bill, called the Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act, was passed by the House earlier this year and now faces scrutiny in Washington. Walsh’s message is clear: the sport should not be controlled by a single entity that also runs the market. He compared the proposed Unified Boxing Organizations to the UFC, noting how the fight‑promotion giant has been criticized for limiting fighter pay and accused of creating a monopoly. The legislation would let one company—potentially linked to the UFC’s parent, TKO Group Holdings—manage everything from rankings to championship titles. Walsh warned that this could turn boxing into a closed loop where promoters decide who fights and who wins, leaving fighters with little say.

Despite his concerns about structure, Walsh acknowledged that the bill includes several health safeguards. It would require annual brain scans, heart tests and full blood work for all boxers, plus a minimum payment of $200 per round and insurance covering injuries. He praised these additions but argued they should not come at the expense of fighters’ bargaining power. Walsh pointed to his own career, where a shoulder injury was treated promptly under the current system. He said that while safety measures are welcome, they should not be used to justify reshaping the sport’s power dynamics. The bill has already passed the House with strong bipartisan support and is now in the Senate. Walsh’s testimony adds a personal, family‑driven perspective to the debate, defending both his legacy and the autonomy of fighters.

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