In the afternoon session of day two of the WBA convention, a panel was convened to discuss the Dana White-supported Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act (H.R. 4624) And how to combat it. The oNep consisted of:
Matchmaker Roberto Diaz, former world champion Shane Mosley, promoter Joe DeGuardia, attorney Rob Maysey, WBA, president Gilberto Jesus Mendoza, former world champion Bernard Hopkins, former UFC welterweight champion Carlos Newton and WBA legal counsel Robert Mack.
Attorney Maysey has already been successful in litigation against the UFC.
The initial case against the UFC achieved final approval on February 6, 2025 for a $375,000,000 settlement award for the fighters in the class. Maysey will be in D.C. opposing the revival bill.
Mendoza echoed the sentiments of his fellow sanctioning body presidents who have all spoken out at their recent conventions on combining efforts to oppose this bill.
Hopkins spoke on his dealings with support of the original Muhammad Ali Act. He knew he was standing out as a trouble maker. “I made that commitment to be that Muhammad Ali of today.” Hopkins and DeGuardia both testified during the original hearings for the Muhammad Ali Act over 25 years ago.
Former UFC champion Newton pulled back the curtain citing personal experience, on how the pay scale, contracts and tiered system works within the UFC and the reason why it is not seen in boxing.
PLEASE READ
We have a few rules to make our comment section more enjoyable for everyone.
1. Keep comments related to boxing.
2. Be respectful, polite and keep it clean.
3. Personal attacks will not be tolerated.
Offending posts will be removed.
Repeat offenders will be put on moderation.
