Oscar De La Hoya Opposes New Boxing Reform Bill in Senate Hearing
Hall of Fame boxer Oscar De La Hoya testified before U.S. senators that a new boxing reform bill passed by the House of Representatives would hurt fighters. The bill aims to reform boxing regulations that have been in place for three decades.
Hall of Fame boxer Oscar De La Hoya told U.S. senators that new boxing reform legislation would exploit fighters, opposing a bill that supporters say would make the sport safer and more fan-friendly.
Senator Ted Cruz, who backs the legislation, argues boxing needs updating. He points to mixed martial arts, which has grown rapidly over the past two decades with more consistent matchups and larger audiences. Boxing's biggest viewership now comes from just a handful of major fights.
The proposed law would work alongside current boxing regulations rather than replace them. This means boxers could choose which format they want to compete under. Current boxing laws stem from the Ali Act, which bans certain contracts and requires promoters to share financial details.
Congress has tried to fix boxing multiple times over the past 30 years. Previous attempts to extend fighter protections to MMA athletes failed to pass the Senate. The sport's complex web of promoters, managers, and sanctioning bodies has long frustrated lawmakers and fans.
Boxing fans could see changes to how the sport is organized and promoted. The legislation could affect fighter safety, pay, and which fights get made. It shows Congress trying again to fix a sport many say is broken.
The Senate committee will review the House bill and decide whether to advance it for a full Senate vote.
Was this article helpful?
0 people found this helpful