California once again shaped the future of American boxing by backing Zuffa Boxing’s legislative push during an unexpected emergency meeting on Wednesday. The California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) voted 6-0 in favor of the Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act, giving Zuffa Boxing a major boost as it seeks federal approval.
Critics called the vote a rushed endorsement that bypassed meaningful debate. The decision provided Zuffa with valuable public exposure ahead of its campaign to win over Congress and the U.S. Senate.
Zuffa Boxing, led by Dana White under TKO Group Holdings, aims to operate independently of other promoters and the four major sanctioning bodies—the WBC, WBA, WBO, and IBF. The company plans to rank fighters and award belts within its own system.
Industry insiders warn that Zuffa could seek total control over its contracted fighters, mirroring the UFC’s model. Still, Zuffa promises $150 per round minimum pay, health insurance, and drug testing for four-, six-, and eight-round boxers — terms exceeding industry standards.
Supporters Call It Reform, Critics Call It Control
CSAC Executive Officer Andy Foster defended the vote, insisting the act benefits “low-income and injured fighters.” Foster, a former MMA fighter, said California must evaluate new federal proposals because it remains the largest boxing market in the nation.
TKO President Nick Khan opened the meeting, claiming Zuffa’s system would bring “better pay, safety, and opportunity.” Supporters said the new model protects athletes and modernizes a fragmented industry.
Opponents disagreed, calling the session manipulative and undemocratic. They argued the commission ignored concerns raised in prior meetings, where critics highlighted the UFC’s controversial business practices and lack of financial transparency.
Reporters, including Sean Zittel, questioned White about the company’s history of antitrust lawsuits and massive legal settlements. White dismissed the inquiries with insults, showing open contempt for the criticism.
Concerns over revenue transparency remain unresolved. One Zuffa supporter said fighters could simply “check TKO’s public earnings reports,” a statement widely mocked by fighters and promoters alike.
Fighters and Promoters Condemn the Decision
Boxing champions and promoters quickly denounced the CSAC’s vote, accusing regulators of enabling corporate greed. Danny Garcia, a two-division world champion, said the act would “steal from fighters” and eliminate protections provided by the original Muhammad Ali Act.
“That’s highway robbery — corporate extortion,” Garcia said.
Oscar De La Hoya launched a fierce attack on social media, calling the vote a betrayal.
“They’re rewriting the law to screw fighters,” De La Hoya wrote. “They want to erase the sport’s history and control every belt.”
Critics argue that Zuffa’s plan undermines boxing’s independent structure, replacing it with a corporate monopoly. Supporters, however, claim the sport’s old model — with sanctioning fees, fractured titles, and lost TV deals — is already broken.
Zuffa’s project reportedly includes $10 million in Saudi backing from Turki Alalshikh and a streaming deal with Paramount+. Proponents insist the plan will bring “200 to 300 new fighters” into the system and “revive the sport.”
Skeptics see a different picture — one where Zuffa’s top executives consolidate power and profit. Yet with Dana White’s political ties and growing support in Congress, most observers believe the bill will pass, transforming boxing as the world knows it.
