Roy Jones Jr. believes boxing is heading toward dangerous territory. The Hall of Fame fighter strongly criticized the proposed Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act of 2026, warning that the legislation could fundamentally damage the sport if passed into law.
The TKO-backed proposal would allow the creation of Unified Boxing Organizations (UBOs) entities that could operate their own championship systems independent of the traditional sanctioning bodies.
Supporters argue the bill modernizes boxing and introduces benefits such as:
- Minimum pay per round
- More centralized promotion
- League-style structure
Critics, however, fear it could create monopolistic control over the sport.
Jones Jr.: “Why Change It for a Promoter?”
Jones Jr. questioned why legislation originally designed to protect fighters would now be altered in a way he believes favors promoters. “If you made the Muhammad Ali Act to save or look out for the boxers, why would you go change it for a promoter?” Jones Jr. said.
He compared the proposal to removing safeguards that were intentionally created to prevent exploitation.
Concerns Over a UFC-Style System
Jones Jr.’s biggest concern centers around Zuffa Boxing and its ties to TKO Group Holdings. The boxing legend pointed directly to how fighters have historically been compensated in the UFC. “Even the ones that come to boxing to make their real payday,” Jones Jr. said. “They built up a name in UFC, but they couldn’t make a payday.”
He argued boxing currently offers fighters stronger earning potential than MMA and questioned why the sport would adopt a model he sees as less favorable to athletes.
Dana White has aggressively promoted Zuffa Boxing’s future in the sport, previously saying competing promoters would be like “babies” compared to TKO’s power structure.
Supporters believe the company’s resources and organizational structure could streamline boxing. Opponents see the risk of too much centralized control.
Other Boxing Voices Opposed
Jones Jr. isn’t alone.
Recently:
- Oscar De La Hoya
- Nico Ali Walsh
both testified before the U.S. Senate expressing concerns about:
- Fighter-pay transparency
- Revenue splits
- Loss of protections established under the original Muhammad Ali Act
Ali Walsh even suggested Muhammad Ali’s name should be removed from the legislation if the bill passes in its current form. The proposed changes have created one of the biggest political divides boxing has seen in years. Supporters view the bill as modernization.
Critics view it as the beginning of a monopoly. According to Roy Jones Jr., the consequences could permanently alter the sport in America.
Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao 2 Back On, Set for Sept. 25 in Las Vegas
Welcome to Dice City Sports — where we provide premium, exclusive, up-to-date news and analysis surrounding the Las Vegas sports scene. Follow along on social media, and check back for new articles daily!
Robert LaMar is a Deputy Editor for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X via @RobertLaMar26
