H.R. 4624: Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act

This bill, known as the Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act, aims to enhance the safety and well-being of professional boxers while providing them with more opportunities. The key components of the bill include the following:

Unified Boxing Organizations

The bill allows for the formation of "Unified Boxing Organizations" (UBOs) that will be responsible for overseeing professional boxing matches. A UBO will be compliant with the law by fulfilling specific requirements related to:

• Organizing matches involving boxers under their contract.
• Ensuring rigorous health and safety standards.

Health and Medical Requirements

Under the bill, UBOs must ensure that:

• Each boxer participates in annual medical examinations, which include physical, eye, and blood tests for conditions such as HIV and hepatitis.
• Female boxers undergo pregnancy tests before each match.
• Boxers receive MRI scans to check for brain abnormalities before matches, with additional requirements for those over 40 years old.

Emergency Medical Support

It mandates that UBOs provide at least two ambulances on-site during matches, ensuring that emergency medical support is readily available. Additionally, three licensed physicians must be present ringside throughout the match.

Support Services for Boxers

For boxers under contract with UBOs, the bill requires:

• Access to training and rehabilitation facilities.
• Health insurance for any injuries sustained during training or matches that does not financially burden the boxer.
• A designated medical coordinator to assist boxers with their health and licensing needs.

Anti-Doping Measures

The legislation includes provisions for anti-doping programs, requiring UBOs to implement testing procedures before and during matches. This includes:

• Random tests for substances prohibited by boxing commissions.
• Providing public information on substances tested and penalties for violations.

Boxing Conduct Policy

To maintain integrity in the sport, the bill requires UBOs to enforce a policy that prohibits any boxer or affiliate from betting on their own matches or sharing non-public performance information for betting purposes.

Conflict of Interest Regulations

It establishes rules to prevent conflicts of interest, such as prohibiting UBOs from having financial interests in the management of boxers or from making payments to managers except under specified conditions.

Federal Oversight

Unified Boxing Organizations will be required to provide information to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for regulatory purposes, ensuring transparency in their operations.

State Law Compliance

The bill allows states to enforce additional regulations on boxing as long as they are not inconsistent with federal law.

Minimum Pay Standards

Promoters and UBOs must also pay a minimum of $150 for each round a boxer fights, ensuring fair compensation for athletes.

Implementation Timeline

The amendments outlined in this bill will take effect 30 days after it is enacted.

Relevant Companies

• DAZN (DAZN Group Limited) - As a sports streaming platform that broadcasts boxing matches, DAZN may need to adapt its agreements with UBOs to comply with the new safety standards and medical requirements established by this bill.
• Top Rank (NYSE: TYZF) - A major boxing promotion company which may see changes in their operational procedures to align with new compliance requirements and safety protocols outlined in the bill.
• Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) - A prominent boxing promotions company potentially impacted by adjustments to contracts and match operations according to the stipulations of the bill.