The promoter and former boxer, Oscar de la Hoyaappeared this week before the Senate Commerce Committee to offer testimony on the possible modification of Muhammad Ali Law.
After his participation, the representative of Golden Boy Promotions He pointed out that the legislative process presents irregularities that favor large corporations in sports entertainment and mixed martial arts.
During the hearing, Oscar de la Hoya shared the panel with Nico Ali Walshgrandson of the boxing legend, as well as with Nick Khan, WWE president and executive of TKO Community Holdings.
The discussion centered on a bill that would allow companies to have a total retain an eye on promotion and rankings, an operating model equivalent to that currently used by the UFC.
Direct accusations against the impartiality of the Committee
At the end of his visit to Washington DC, the promoter He used his digital platforms to denounce what he considered a tainted environment. According to the version offered by Oscar de la Hoyathe senator Ted Cruzwho chairs the committee, showed a evident inclination towards the interests of business groupss linked to the environment of mixed martial arts and politics.
Regarding this meeting, the “Golden Boy” published a message where he thanked Nico Ali Walsh for his support and described his perception of the previous meeting with the legislator.
Through their social networks, Oscar de la Hoya declared: “It was crazy how President (Ted) Cruz, we met with him before and the only thing he could talk about was President Donald Trump and how much fun they had at the UFC events. The questions felt scripted. I mean, the corruption I felt in the room was just disgusting.”
The conflict over the creation of Unified Organizations
The reform called “Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act” seeks to implement the Unified Boxing Organizations (UBOs). This change would allow a single entity to simultaneously manage the promotion of athletes and the sanctions system, which generates rejection in sectors that defend the independence of the boxer against corporations.
Given the defense of this model by Nick Khan, Oscar de la Hoya He assured that he will present evidence to refute the arguments presented in the Senate.
The promoter stated, “I have videos next week that I will show you, I will put together all the lies that Nick Khan told. It’s going to be quite interesting. “I can’t wait for next week.”
The political and sports panorama of the project
The closeness between political figures such as donald trump and the president of UFC, Dana Whitehas been the subject of analysis within this legislative controversy. Since the bill already received approval from the House of Representatives in March, the Senate’s decision is the final step in determining the future of boxing’s commercial structure in the United States.
To close his public position, Oscar de la Hoya He insisted that the proposed changes take the sport in the wrong direction by concentrating power in the hands of a few companies.
The industry is awaiting the audiovisual evidence promised by the promoter to verify if there were inconsistencies in the sworn testimonies presented before the legislative committee.
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