The United States House of Representatives passed the Muhammad Ali Boxing Revival Act by a voice vote on Tuesday, advancing a bill that could fundamentally restructure professional boxing by allowing Unified Boxing Organizations.
The legislation will now head to the Senate before potentially reaching President Donald Trump to be signed into law.
If enacted, the bill permits the creation of Unified Boxing Organizations (UBOs) as an alternative career route for fighters.
Current regulations demand a strict separation between fight promoters and the sanctioning bodies that govern rankings and titles.
Creating a unified system for fighters
The proposed reforms would allow UBOs to manage promotions, rankings, titles, and matchmaking simultaneously.
This consolidated model mirrors the operational structure currently utilised by the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in mixed martial arts.
Crucially, the new legislation would only govern the boxing industry and does not extend its regulatory reach to MMA.
Prominent combat sports figures, including UFC chief executive Dana White and former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson, have publicly backed the initiative.
Enhanced medical safeguards and financial minimums
Supporters argue the framework provides stronger health care provisions, including mandatory physicals alongside comprehensive brain and eye testing.
The bill also stipulates a strict limit of one championship belt per weight class for each sanctioning body.
Fighters would additionally be guaranteed a minimum mandatory payment of $200 per round under the new structural provisions.
Proponents emphasise that UBOs are designed to offer an alternative opportunity rather than replacing the traditional boxing model entirely.
“My hope is, by its passage, you’re not just going to have one UBO, my hope is that you’re going to have a dozen UBOs operating, if not more, in this sport.”
Representative Brian Jack
Criticism over fighter power and monopolies
However, detractors warn the sweeping changes could erode crucial protections established by the original 1996 and 2000 Ali Act bills.
Critics argue the revised structure might transfer significant financial leverage away from athletes and back towards powerful promoters.
Sceptics within the combat sports community have accused White of pushing the legislation to mirror his tightly controlled business model through his new Zuffa Boxing venture.
The world’s premier MMA promotion has previously faced two major antitrust lawsuits from athletes alleging wage suppression and monopolisation tactics, recently settling one case for $375m.
The influential promotional executive has dismissed these monopoly concerns, echoing congressional arguments that the bill simply provides fighters with additional choices.
Justin Rose has warned it is highly possible that Jon Rahm will be unavailable for Europe in next year’s Ryder Cup due to an ongoing dispute over LIV Golf sanctions.
Rahm faces multi-million pound fines
The Spanish two-time major winner is currently at loggerheads with the DP World Tour and is appealing financial penalties reportedly exceeding £2m.
These sanctions were imposed after the former world number one participated in unauthorised events on the Saudi-backed circuit without securing the requisite permissions.
Rahm recently labelled the penalties as extortionate, but his ongoing appeal process has at least allowed him to continue competing on the European circuit in the short term.
“I think it is absolutely feasible. I think that the line in the sand has been drawn.”
Rose told the Golf Channel when asked if there is a genuine reality where Europe competes without their talismanic star.
Compromise required for New York
The 44-year-old Englishman remains hopeful that a resolution can be reached before Luke Donald’s team defends the trophy at Bethpage Black next September.
Several other players who defected from the traditional ecosystem have already committed to paying their fines or playing extra tournaments to bolster their schedules.
“I think the DP World Tour are willing to work with Jon, so it’s going to take a bit of compromise but I hope we can find that sort of common ground now.”
Tour strategy deemed reasonable
Despite his eagerness to see his Ryder Cup teammate involved, Rose understands why the governing body has taken such a hardline approach.
“From my point of view, I think that the DP World Tour stance is reasonable in terms of if you play an event opposite to one of their events, you clearly by nature are weakening their tour.”
The 2013 US Open champion admitted he has personally been fined in the past for competing elsewhere on conflicting dates.
“I feel like I’m good with the strategy because clearly they’re trying to make their tour as strong as possible, which is not an easy task.”
Former world champion Tony Bellew believes Anthony Joshua has the destructive power to defeat Tyson Fury in a highly anticipated all-British heavyweight clash.
Fury recently revealed his willingness to face his long-time domestic rival following a scheduled comeback fight next month.
Bellew insists the long-awaited showdown must happen, despite acknowledging that both men are now in the latter stages of their respective careers.
‘A travesty if it didn’t happen’
“It has to, it would be a travesty if it didn’t happen,” Bellew told Sky Sports News.
“We’ll always want the answers when it comes to Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury.”
The former cruiserweight titleholder highlighted the immense commercial appeal of the Olympic gold medallist and former unified champion.
“I’m not going to lie, at this stage they’re both past their best, in my opinion,” added Bellew.
“But it’s still relevant, so were Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather when they came together.”
Tragedy, recovery and an unlikely alliance
Joshua is targeting a July return to the ring following a fatal car crash in December that tragically claimed the lives of two friends.
The Watford-born fighter has taken an unusual step in his preparation by training alongside Oleksandr Usyk.
The Ukrainian currently holds victories over both British heavyweights, having defeated each man twice.
“He’s had ups and downs in the sport, he’s going through a really tough time at the minute,” Bellew observed regarding Joshua’s recent personal trauma.
“He’s preparing diligently again under the tutelage now of Oleksandr Usyk, so that looks good.”
Contrasting paths to a potential showdown
Both heavyweights enter this potential matchup on the back of mixed recent fortunes.
The ‘Gypsy King’ is seeking to bounce back from two highly competitive, top-level defeats at the hands of Usyk.
Meanwhile, his domestic rival suffered a devastating knockout loss to Daniel Dubois in 2024 before returning last year to stop influencer-turned-boxer Jake Paul in six rounds.
Despite these respective setbacks, Bellew remains adamant about the outcome of a potential clash.
“I’ve always said it’s going to be AJ, I think styles make fights,” he concluded.
“He’s the one with the destructive power of the two.”
Unbeaten multiple Grade One-winning racehorse Sir Gino has died at a veterinary hospital following complications from severe deep-seated infections.
The six-year-old originally sustained a broken pelvis during the Unibet Hurdle at Cheltenham in January.
Despite hopes for a full recovery at the Seven Barrows yard, the subsequent ailments ultimately proved fatal.
Henderson pays tribute to unbeaten star
Former champion trainer Nicky Henderson confirmed the devastating news on Tuesday morning.
The veteran handler revealed that the talented jumper had previously overcome similar issues prior to a triumphant return in last year’s Christmas Hurdle.
“We have very sadly lost the battle to overcome Sir Gino’s ailment and he has had to be put to sleep at the veterinary hospital this morning,” Henderson stated.
“He has been fighting from severe deep-seated infections that he had overcome last year prior to his brilliant return in the Christmas Hurdle but this time it had spread too far, although his fractured pelvis was healing well.”
Cruel loss for Donnelly family
The tragic outcome leaves a significant void for owners Joe and Marie Donnelly.
“They have had some wonderful horses over the years and they both care so much for them so losing such a young star with his life in front of him is particularly cruel,” Henderson added.
The highly-rated horse leaves behind a flawless record on the track.
Before his untimely injury, the phenomenal jumper won all seven of his career starts.
Those victories included three top-tier successes over hurdles, claiming the Fighting Fifth Hurdle and Aintree’s four-year-old prize alongside his Christmas Hurdle triumph.
He also produced a spectacular display during his sole appearance over fences in a Grade Two chase.
“We would have to say that he was just at least as good as any of all the amazing horses we have been lucky enough to have trained. Unforgettable in every way.”
England batter Ben Duckett has withdrawn from the Indian Premier League in a bid to rescue his international career following a dismal winter across all formats.
The 31-year-old was due to play for the Delhi Capitals but has opted to return to Nottinghamshire ahead of the English summer.
He will work closely with head coach Peter Moores and England fitness expert Peter Sims to correct underlying technical flaws.
The left-handed opener managed just one score over fifty in 16 innings during a highly scrutinised touring schedule.
A winter of struggle and off-field controversy
A highest score of 42 during the recent Ashes series was compounded by an off-field incident during a mid-series break in Noosa.
The Nottinghamshire batter was filmed seemingly intoxicated, prompting widespread reports of an excessive drinking culture within the squad.
He subsequently remained an unused squad member during England’s recent T20 World Cup campaign across India and Sri Lanka.
“I’m desperate to play all three formats for England for as long as I can,” Duckett told the Daily Telegraph.
Sacrificing franchise cricket for Test redemption
By making himself unavailable after the auction, the top-order batter risks an IPL ban until 2029.
The decision also means he will forfeit a lucrative £200,000 contract for the franchise tournament starting this Saturday.
However, he hopes the financial sacrifice will pay dividends ahead of England’s first Test against New Zealand on 4 June.
“This is a decision I hope I will look back on in 10 years and see as a pivotal moment in my career, and the right decision. I will being doing everything I can to be ready for England.”
Rebuilding fitness and reputation
Reflecting on a turbulent year, Duckett admitted his regret over the Noosa controversy, which has since led to a strict midnight curfew for all England players.
“I am sorry for that… Not playing in the World Cup and being on the sidelines in India after such a tough Ashes series was a struggle for me.”
Despite a sharp decline in his stock over the past twelve months, the international star remains fiercely determined to fight for his place.
“It’s lit a massive fire in my belly moving forward. I don’t know where I stand, or what is to come.”
Undefeated British flyweight Muhammad Mokaev and former heavyweight champion Junior dos Santos will fight on the undercard of Ronda Rousey’s comeback event in Los Angeles on 16 May.
The highly-anticipated card at the Intuit Dome is headlined by Rousey’s return to competition against American pioneer Gina Carano.
Mokaev will face former ONE Championship star Adriano Moraes in a high-profile mixed martial arts bout.
Meanwhile, Brazilian veteran Dos Santos is set to clash with Cuban heavyweight Robelis Despaigne.
Mokaev seeks to extend unbeaten run
The Manchester resident is widely regarded as the best unsigned flyweight prospect in world MMA.
Having moved to England as a child following the death of his mother, the KHK MMA Team representative built a formidable 23-0 amateur record.
The lightning-fast grappler successfully transitioned those skills to the professional ranks, remaining undefeated across multiple global promotions.
Seven of his most impressive professional victories were secured during his recent tenure in the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
“Respect to all involved, I can’t wait to put on a great performance,” Mokaev said.
Veteran pedigree added to California bill
His Brazilian opponent will present a stern test of those undefeated credentials.
Moraes made history as the first-ever flyweight champion in ONE Championship, capturing the world title on multiple occasions.
“I didn’t come from an easy life, but I chose to turn every struggle into strength,” the submission specialist explained.
“Every time I step into the cage, I carry my story, my faith, and the belief that hard work always pays off.”
Heavyweight firepower guaranteed
Further up the weight classes, the addition of Dos Santos brings elite heavyweight pedigree to the event.
The 42-year-old famously captured the UFC heavyweight crown in 2011 by knocking out Cain Velasquez in just 64 seconds.
Known for his blistering hand speed and knockout power, the Brazilian striker has previously shared the cage with legendary figures like Stipe Miocic and Francis Ngannou.
“I’m so excited to be fighting again,” Dos Santos said.
“Fighting is my greatest motivation, the type of challenge that feeds my soul.”
The family of 19-year-old boxer Isis Sio have defended her decision to return to the ring after she was placed in an induced coma following a first-round knockout by Jocelyn Camarillo on Saturday.
The teenager has now been taken off a ventilator and is responsive in an intensive care unit.
She faced criticism for accepting the bout less than two months after suffering another knockout defeat.
However, relatives released a statement clarifying her previous loss in January was caused by a body blow rather than head trauma.
Medical clearance and suspension
The young fighter had served a mandatory 45-day suspension prior to the weekend’s bout.
She was fully evaluated and medically cleared before stepping between the ropes to face Camarillo.
Addressing the 30 January defeat against Perla Bazaldua, her representatives explained the physiological impact of the deciding punch.
“The result was not due to a head-strike knockout. Instead, it was caused by a liver shot.”
The statement noted such strikes can trigger a sudden drop in blood pressure and heart rate, leading to temporary paralysis.
Recovery in intensive care
The promising athlete remains under close observation by three specialised medical divisions.
Her camp insists she is a disciplined competitor who carefully analyses every opportunity presented to her.
“Her decision to compete against Jocelyn Camarillo was not made lightly, but rather thoughtfully reviewed and analysed prior to acceptance.”
Loved ones are now awaiting further updates from her medical team as she continues her recovery.
“We sincerely appreciate the continued support, thoughts, and prayers during this time.”
Czech mixed martial arts fighter and influencer Dominika Elischerova has died aged 23 following a fatal scooter collision in Thailand.
The 23-year-old, known to her online audience as Mina, was travelling to a training session on the island of Koh Samui when her scooter was struck by a truck.
She was immediately rushed to a local hospital but ultimately succumbed to severe trauma after suffering multiple cardiac arrests.
Teammate Samir Margina witnessed the devastating incident and confirmed the Czech national had been placed into a medically induced coma prior to her passing.
Teammates and promoters pay tribute
Margina later shared a poignant photograph on social media holding his teammate’s hand during her final hours.
“You were the biggest fighter and always will be. Thank you for the beautiful experiences.”
The combat sports competitor had built a significant online presence, chronicling her martial arts journey in Southeast Asia to an audience of approximately 800,000 followers.
Clash of the Stars mourns loss
Prior to her relocation, the content creator was a featured participant in the Czech combat television programme Clash of the Stars.
The broadcasting organisation released a statement expressing profound grief over the loss of their former presenter and wrestler.
“Your laugh, positive energy and fight will never be forgotten. You were and always will be great.”
Fellow influencer Adelka Soukupova also offered her condolences online, describing the late athlete as an older sister figure whom she could always confide in.
A spokesperson for the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that emergency interventions were ultimately unsuccessful in saving the young star’s life.