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The grandson of boxing legend and American civil rights icon Muhammad Ali has 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 gained attention as White and TKO Group delve deeper into boxing through Zuffa Boxing. The bill would allow new “unified boxing organizations,” or UBOs, to recruit fighters, promote fights, create rankings and award titles under a single system. The Congressional Budget Office says the bill would allow UBOs to enter into contracts with boxers, promote matches and organize rankings and titles.
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Nico Ali Walsh leaves the stage after defeating Reyes Sanchez during their four-round fight at Pechanga Arena in San Diego, California on August 20, 2022. (Michael Owens/Getty Images)
Walsh, as the grandson of the person the bill would be named after, 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, his name should not be on it. I respect everything you have done with the UFC,” Walsh said.
“We both live in Vegas, and I’m asking you, let’s arrange a meeting, public or private, it’s your choice. Let’s discuss Ali’s Law, fighter protections, and what’s 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 continue the Ali family’s boxing legacy. He is also the nephew of undefeated former boxing champion Laila Ali.
The original Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act became law in 2000 and was co-sponsored by John McCain. It was designed to combat unfair and anti-competitive practices in the field of boxing. This 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 argues the new bill weakens that firewall. He says this could allow one organization to act as a promoter, matchmaker, ranking body and title system all at once.
“That’s what the current Muhammad Ali law protects against what’s happening in boxing,” Walsh said.
The new bill is bipartisan. It was co-sponsored by Reps. Brian Jack (R-GA) and Sharice Davids (D-KS) and was overwhelmingly passed by the House of Representatives with cross-party support, both Republican and Democratic. The matter was referred to the Senate Commerce Committee on March 25.
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Heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali stands over 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 in one minute in the first round. (Getty Images)
Another critic of the bill is proponent Oscar De La Hoya, who says this new framework undermines the heart of the original 2000 Ali Act and could result in near-monopolies on sports.
Still, even Walsh thinks some details of the original law could be updated now that 26 years have passed.
“A lot of things could be updated. The bill, the original Ali Law was developed in the early 2000s. Of course, it’s been over 20 years, so things can be refreshed, revamped. One of the most important things is the health benefits. The Revival Act promotes certain health benefits. It’s incredible for us fighters. It’s great, but the upstream health benefits don’t override the rights that are taken from the combatants at the rear.
Supporters of the Revival Act say the bill would modernize boxing. The bill includes new safety and commercial rules for UBOs, and its stated aim is to “further improve the welfare of professional boxers”.
While the bill will be the subject of further sporting and political debates in the coming months, Walsh also wants to send a message to other fighters about raising awareness of 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 Ali Law does. He added that people often hear both sides of the debate but don’t know the issues.
“You have to know your rights as a fighter,” Walsh said.
PK Press Club Digital has reached out to the UFC for a response.
