Combat athletes, coaches, and media personalities alike are growing increasingly concerned about the rumored amendments being discussed between TKO Group Holdings, Inc. and the Association of Boxing Commissions (ABC).
These discussions revolve around possible changes to the federal law designed to protect fighters from exploitation by promoters—known as the Muhammad Ali Act.
Specifically, ABC President Mike Mazzulli has come under scrutiny after a leaked email suggested that the association may be in negotiations with TKO as the company looks to expand into the boxing world.
On an episode of the FightCourt Podcast, Mazzulli made it clear that no negotiations would take place without fighters having a seat at the table.
UFC analyst Din Thomas told Mazzulli that if the law exists to protect fighters from promoters, then fighters should absolutely be involved in any proposed amendments. Mazzulli agreed without hesitation.
“100%. And the interesting thing is, when the Ali Act was formed, they testified—there was some involvement—but they didn’t have much.”
Mazzulli went on to explain that giving fighters a voice in commission regulatory proceedings is something the ABC is already working on. Din, who serves on the organization’s Fighter Committee, can attest to this.
“What bothers me even more—and you (Din) sit on the voice committee—is that I’m the one who organized the voice committee! I’m the one who, when I was president, appointed people to the voice committee.”
This was in response to public outcry from those who felt Mazzulli might be acting in favor of TKO due to his position of power—an opinion he admitted may have stemmed from the wording of the leaked email.
“I will admit, maybe the email that got leaked sounded like I was in the pocket of TKO from the way I wrote it. I think I wrote that at probably like 1 o’clock in the morning and sent it out the next morning. So it’s just kind of like… you know, I didn’t expect it to get so much traction.”
You can read the email in E. Magraken’s blog at Combat Sports Law.
The rumored amendment TKO is seeking would allow promoters to own their individual titles and independent rankings. Critics fear this would severely diminish a fighter’s market value and negotiating power, especially after fulfilling their contractual obligations—only to be stripped of a title and buried in biased, manipulated rankings.
TKO has claimed their main goal is to create more opportunities for boxers. Mazzulli stated that the ABC’s primary concern remains fighter protection, and he emphasized the effectiveness and importance of the Muhammad Ali Act.
During the interview with Din and Mike, I shared my concern, echoing the sentiments of many who are uneasy about any potential changes to the Act. History has shown what promoters have done with just a little bit of leverage—and any amendment could be a major crack in the dam holding back those abuses.
Mazzulli agreed with my concerns and asked if I could trust the process.
“I would have to say to you—wait and see. And it’s a hard thing to do, it really is. I understand fighters getting screwed over the years, I mean, no doubt in my mind. I’ve done my best, and the ABC is doing its best to make sure that doesn’t happen again.”
Watch the full interview with ABC President Mike Mazzulli on the FightCourt Podcast above.
