CSAC Votes to Support Changes to Ali Act, Oscar De La Hoya Says F.U. to Dana White
By Robert Brizel, Head Real Combat Media Boxing Correspondent
Sacramento, CA. (October 20th, 2025)– Controversy has erupted between the TKO Group/Zuffa Boxing and boxing promoter Oscar De Hoya. The California State Athletic Commission held a surprise meeting, and voted to formally support changes to the Muhammad Ali Act to benefit TKO Group/Zuffa Boxing. De La Hoya took to social media to sound off on Dana White, and what he views as the influences of corruption who are undermining the protocols of safety now in place, as he sees it, to the detriment of the sport.
“Something happened yesterday that the entire boxing community is questioning. The California State Athletic Commission held an under-the-radar hearing in which they voted to approve the proposed changes to the Muhammad Ali Act. TKO has been begging for these changes (to take place) so they can f*#k fighters over with their new league. Fighters and managers called into the first meeting back in September (2025), and expressed major concerns about (the) changes being made to The (Muhammad Ali) Act. So, the commission said they would discuss it further in December-but-suddenly they voted-and approved it yesterday, ignoring all public voices. I am so disappointed in them. No other promoter had tried to change this act-because there’s no need to. We believe in fair business. But you have these TKO scumbags who need it to change. I mean, look at their plans. Dana (White) said openly that they will be honoring one belt-their own belt. They want to eliminate all (of the) other belts (the WBA, WBO, IBF, IBO, WBO and others) (and destroy) the rich boxing history that comes with the entire sport. They want to change the size and shape of the ring according to their own rules.
What the f-ck is next, tigers and lions chained to the f*#king canvas? Dana will go to his buddy, President Trump, and have him push these changes to the (Muhammad) Ali Act through. So much for the American way and (so much for) the First Amendment. I guess it doesn’t apply here. This is a huge red flag for fighters and managers, because the writing is on the wall. TKO is actively changing legislation (existing legislation) so they can openly f*#k fighters (and take total control) over (the sport).
Fighters will be stuck in a dictatorship with no voices or rights, as TKO takes all your money. Just like the UFC has done! So Dana, you don’t know s*#t about boxing. You don’t give a s*#t about our history. You give less of a s*#t about the fighters, your tiny t-shirt looks like s*#t, and everyone thinks you’re a piece of s*#t. “So Dana (White), f*#k you!”
The Muhammad Ali Boxing Revival Act supported by the CSAC, would add an alternative system to the existing Muhammad Ali Act, not change its core provisions. This system would establish Unified Boxing Organizations (UBOs), which could operate with their own titles and rankings, potentially increasing competition and providing more opportunities, pay, and safety for boxers, according to proponents. However, critics worry this alternative system, if created across the United States and around the world, could consolidate power and reduce fighter pay by creating a UFC-like model, which removes the financial disclosures now required under The Muhammad Ali Act as it now stands.
Potential Ali Act changes and key features:
1. Creation of Unified Boxing Organizations (UBOs)
The bill would allow for UBOs to exist alongside current sanctioning bodies
2. Alternative to existing structures
Proponents say UBOs offer boxers a choice between the existing system OR the new UBO model, which would be more integrated like the UFC model in MMA
3. Financial transparency changes
A major point is UBOs likely would not be subject to the financial disclosure requirements of the original Muhammad Ali Act which mandates promoters inform boxers about event and media revenue
4. Career opportunities
Supporters say the alternative system could lead to more opportunities for fighters to compete and earn a living
5. Pay and safety standards
The bill includes provisions for a national minimum per-round payment of $150 for boxers and a minimum health insurance coverage of $25,000 for injuries sustained in bouts
6. Promoter control
Critics are concerned the revised model, if effected, could allow powerful promoters to control both the event and the title (similar to the UFC mode now being used) and take over the sport into a monopoly like state, which would rapidly push current boxing promoters, regional and world sanctioning titular bodies out of existence as they are not part of the new model)
In one sense, the concept of establishing fighter health insurance and injury insurance coverage is a good thing. On the other hand, creating professional boxing leagues with their own titles is a precursor towards eliminating the competition, such as Golden Boy Promotions and other competitors. Fighters could get better opportunities and purses, however the league would have all fighters under contract and could control both purses and endorsement money. However, boxers would not be informed of gate revenue and stream revenue, advertisement money and residuals. Whether or not boxers have a choice depends on how the new UBO system is ultimately affected. It seems evident the boxers functioning with the UBO have no choice but to comply and participate the UBO rules, or ultimately be unable to compete if the UBO or UBOS take over the sport in his manner.
One state change athletic commission, legislative change will not define the entire United States. However, Republican legislation could be pushed through during the 2025-2026 Congressional legislative session, which could make the amendments to the Muhammad Ali Act Federal Law. This would force professional boxing commissions in foreign countries to seek countrywide legislation to enact the changes to the Muhammad Ali Act worldwide, forever changing the sport of boxing at the amateur and professional level.
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