Ari Emanuel’s Insights on Boxing
During a rare appearance on the Pat McAfee Show in February 2025, Ari Emanuel, the powerful CEO of TKO Holdings Group (which owns the UFC and WWE), made some intriguing comments about the future of boxing. Hinting at potential changes to the Ali Act, he stated, “Who knows what’s going to happen with the Ali Act,” raising eyebrows among industry insiders. This sparked speculation that TKO may be working on amendments to this federal law governing boxer welfare, especially in light of their new boxing collaboration with Saudi Arabia.
Introduction of the Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act
These rumors gained traction when U.S. representatives Brian Jack (Republican, Georgia) and Sharice Davids (Democrat, Kansas) introduced the Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act in Congress last week. They are promoting this proposed legislation as an essential modernization of federal boxing regulations, aimed at enhancing the existing Professional Boxing Safety Act and offering alternatives to current sanctioning bodies.
Goals of the Proposed Legislation
In a press release, Jack expressed pride in presenting this bipartisan bill, outlining how it seeks to provide boxers with improved opportunities, higher pay, and enhanced safety standards. He emphasized that existing laws, established over 25 years ago, have hindered investment in professional boxing, and that congressional intervention is necessary to rejuvenate the sport.
TKO’s New Boxing Venture and Investment Concerns
The investment Jack mentions points to TKO’s new boxing initiative with Sela, a Saudi Public Investment Fund subsidiary, and Turki al-Sheikh, a key figure in Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority. Named Zuffa Boxing, this venture is set to launch on September 13, 2025, with a major fight scheduled between Saul ‘Canelo’ Álvarez and Terence Crawford. Expansions to boxing promotions are anticipated by 2026, further generating concerns regarding existing promoters and structures.
Implications of the Unified Boxing Organizations
The proposed bill introduces Unified Boxing Organizations (UBOs), which would enable Zuffa Boxing to operate outside traditional sanctioning bodies like the WBO and WBC. This shift could potentially empower Saudi Arabia to create a parallel boxing ecosystem, allowing it significant control over fighter rankings and championship titles, undermining existing regulatory frameworks.
Concerns from Industry Experts
Combat sports regulatory lawyer Erik Magraken has voiced significant concerns regarding the bill, suggesting it undermines vital protections established by the Ali Act and grants promoters excessive control over rankings and titles, risking the exploitation of fighters. While the bill includes provisions for minimum payments and safety standards aimed at benefitting boxers, critics argue it imposes strict barriers that favor large organizations like Zuffa Boxing.
The Broader Context of Saudi Arabia’s Sports Strategy
Saudi Arabia’s strategies in sports highlight its ambition to control and influence various athletic sectors, including boxing. Al-Sheikh’s growing prominence and financial backing have allowed him to negotiate lucrative deals, garnering a reputation that overshadows criticisms. This effort illustrates Saudi Arabia’s broader initiative to build a self-sustaining sports ecosystem where it can dictate narratives and exert influence, with boxing emerging as a key asset in this vision.
