Return to Your Corners: Have Federal Boxing Laws Gone the Distance or Slipped the Jab?
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, will convene a full committee hearing titled, “Return to Your Corners: Have Federal Boxing Laws Gone the Distance or Slipped the Jab?” on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. ET.
This hearing will assess the current state of boxing under the federal Ali Act. House lawmakers recently passed legislation changing the law to create a new, centralized, alternative professional boxing system called Unified Boxing Organizations (UBO).
The hearing will hear from star witnesses with differing perspectives on the current state of boxing.
Upon announcing the hearing, Sen. Cruz said: “Boxing is a core part of American culture. Identifying avenues for its long-term success is critical for fighters and fans. I look forward to examining how the current structure has shaped the sport, and if Congress should step back into the ring to preserve this cherished American tradition.”
Witnesses:
- Mr. Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO, Golden Boy Promotions
- Mr. Timothy Shipman, President, Association of Boxing Commissions and Combative Sports, and Executive Director, Florida Athletic Commission
- Mr. Nico Ali Walsh, Professional Boxer
- Mr. Nick Khan, President, World Wrestling Entertainment
Background:
Thirty years ago, Congress set federal boxing standards by passing the Professional Boxing Safety Act of 1996.Four years later, Congress tightened those standards by enacting the Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act. Together known as the Ali Act, the federal framework for professional boxing was designed to address conflicts of interest in the boxing market and strengthen boxers’ bargaining power. Last month, the House passed the Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act to make it easier for the sport to organize in the same manner as other professional sports leagues do.
Hearing Details:
WHAT: Full Committee Hearing titled “Return to Your Corners: Have Federal Boxing Laws Gone the Distance or Slipped the Jab?”
DATE: Wednesday, April 22, 2026
TIME: 10:00 a.m. ET
LOCATION: Committee Hearing Room, Russell 253
LIVESTREAM: The hearing will stream live on the committee website and YouTube.
MEDIA: Reporters interested in attending should contact their respective media gallery to RSVP.
- Senate Daily Press: 202-224-0241 or senate_press_gallery@saa.senate.gov
- Senate Periodical Press: 202-224-0265 or periodicals@saa.senate.gov
- Senate Photographers: 202-224-6548 or press_photo@saa.senate.gov
- Senate Radio/TV: 202-224-6421
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