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The grandson of boxing legend and American civil rights icon Muhammad Ali sent a message to UFC founder Dana White, as White leads a controversial revival of a law named after Ali.
The Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act of 2026, a revision of a law passed in 2000, has drawn attention as White and TKO Group delve deeper into boxing through Zuffa Boxing. The bill would allow new “Unified Boxing Organizations” (UBOs) to book fighters, promote fights, create rankings and award titles under one system. The Congressional Budget Office says the bill would allow UBOs to hire boxers, promote fights and manage rankings and titles.
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Nico Ali Walsh exits the stage after defeating Reyes Sanchez in their four-round fight at the Pechanga Arena in San Diego, California, on August 20, 2022. (Michael Owens/Getty Images)
Walsh, as the grandson of the person who would name the bill, wants to talk to White about it.
“My direct and respectful message to Dana White: we know what my grandfather’s legacy means to this sport, and we both know that as this bill stands, it should not have his name on it. I respect everything you have done with the UFC,” Walsh said.
“We both live in Las Vegas and I ask that we sit down, publicly or privately, you choose. Let’s discuss Ali’s Law, fighter protections and what is truly best for us fighters. Let’s do this for the sport we both love.”
Born to Muhammad’s daughter Rasheda Ali, Nico stepped into the ring to carry on the Ali family’s boxing legacy. He is also the nephew of former undefeated boxing champion Laila Ali.
The original Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act was signed into law in 2000 and was co-sponsored by John McCain. It was designed to fight unfair and anti-competitive practices in boxing. It also created a firewall between promoters and managers. Under current law, a promoter cannot have a direct or indirect financial interest in the management of a boxer, and a manager cannot have a financial interest in the promotion of a boxer.
Walsh maintains that the new bill weakens that firewall. He says it could allow an organization to act as a promoter, matchmaker, classification body and title system at the same time.
“That’s what the current Muhammad Ali Act protects against what happens in boxing,” Walsh said.
The new bill is bipartisan. It was co-sponsored by Representatives Brian Jack (R-GA) and Sharice Davids (D-KS), and passed the House overwhelmingly with cross-party support, both Republicans and Democrats. It was referred to the Senate Commerce Committee on March 25.
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Heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali stands next to Sonny Liston and taunts him to get up during their title fight at the Central Maine Youth Center in Lewiston, Maine. Ali knocked out Liston within a minute of the first round. (Getty Images)
Another critic of the bill is sponsor Oscar De La Hoya, who argues that this new framework undermines the core of the original Ali Law of 2000 and could result in near-monopolies in the sport.
Still, even Walsh believes there are some details in the original law that could be updated now that 26 years have passed.
“There could be a lot of things updated. The bill, the original Ali Law, was made in the early 2000s. Of course, it’s been over 20 years, so things can be updated, renewed. One of the most important things is the health benefits. So the Renaissance Law is pushing some health benefits. That’s surprising for us fighters. That’s great, but the health benefits at the beginning don’t negate the rights that are being taken away from them. stripping the fighters from the back.”
Supporters of the Revival Act say the bill would modernize boxing. The bill includes new business and safety rules for UBOs, and its stated purpose is to “further improve the welfare of professional boxers.”
As the bill becomes the subject of more sporting and political debates in the coming months, Walsh also wants to send a message to fellow fighters about raising awareness about this issue and speaking out.
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George Foreman and Muhammad Ali box at the Stade du 20 Mai in Kinshasa, Zaire, during the Rumble in the Jungle on October 30, 1974. (Ken Regan/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images)
His biggest concern is that many fighters and fans don’t know what the Ali Law does. He said people often hear both sides of the debate but don’t know what’s at stake.
“You need to know your rights as a fighter,” Walsh said.
Pak Gazette Digital has reached out to the UFC for a response.
