Former heavyweight world champion Mike Tyson, one of the sport’s most recognisable names, has offered his support of the Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act.
The legislation is backed by Dana White and his new promotional outfit Zuffa Boxing/TKO to bring in sweeping changes to the Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act or “Ali Act” as it’s more commonly known that has been in place for 25 years. The new legislation has been met with criticism from many in boxing, who have accused White of making changes to the Ali Act in order to implement a UFC model on the sport. White has had success in mixed martial arts, where he acts solely as manager, promoter, and governing body, calling the shots to all signed to the UFC. The MAABR Act promises to, “provides professional boxers with more opportunities, better pay, and greater safety protections,” yet White’s UFC fighters are paid considerably less than the counterparts in the boxing ring.
Tyson, who returned to the ring last year for a lucrative payday against Jake Paul at 58 years old, is a longtime friend of UFC CEO White, and today wrote to the U.S. House Committee on Education & Workforce, offering his support of the MAABR Act.
The letter, which sounds like it was written by someone else and approved by Tyson, wrote: “Muhammad Ali has always been my hero, both inside and outside the ring. Supporting these revisions honors the spirit of the original Ali Act by closing loopholes that have allowed some promoters to regain monopolistic control over fighters’ careers. This new legislation restores balance – allowing boxers to choose their own path while preserving the integrity of the sport. The Act does not alter the opportunities of those who are comfortable with the current system; it simply adds options for fighters who wish to pursue a different path that better suits their career goals.
“The proposed reforms provide meaningful benefits for fighters. Establishing a per-round minimum ensures that every athlete who steps into the ring receives fair compensation for the risks they take with their body and mind. The requirement for mandatory health insurance is equally critical – no fighter should ever have to choose between paying medical bills and pursuing their career. I’ve seen too many of my peers face that impossible decision.”
Congressman Brian Jack, who introduced the MAABR Act to congress, also commented on Tyson’s endorsement of the new legislation.
“I am honored to earn the support of Mike Tyson, one of the greatest boxers of all time,” said Congressman Jack. “Mike Tyson’s unprecedented success in the sport enabled him to transcend his accomplishments in the ring, and become an American cultural phenomenon. Mike Tyson supports the Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act because it protects boxers and offers more choice and new career opportunities for fighters to reach the same level of success that he once earned.”
