He was an imposing boxer in the ring, but as a promoter he has been controversial. Once again, Oscar de la Hoya has generated controversy in the boxing world and harshly criticised the California State Athletic Commission’s vote after changes to the “Muhammad Ali Act” were approved, pointing out that the measure favours TKO Group and Dana White, and could harm boxers and the sport’s own history.
The “Goldenboy” published on his social networks in his episodes known as “Clapback Thursday” questioned the voting and how boxers in general have been harmed
Yesterday, something happened that the entire boxing community is questioning. The California State Athletic Commission held a discreet hearing in which it voted to approve proposed changes to the Muhammad Ali Act.
The changes to the “Muhammad Ali Act” were at the request of Dana White, owner of the TKO promoter. In September, there was a first hearing between boxers and representatives where they expressed great concern about the changes that were being made. Therefore, the commission established a new hearing for December, but suddenly, they voted and approved it yesterday. “I’m very disappointed in them. They have ignored all public voices,” said the Goldenboy.
What does the Muhammad Ali Act say?
The 2000 “Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act” was enacted to protect boxers from abusive practices, require transparency in contracts and limit the concentration of power of promoters and sanctioning bodies. The proposed amendments would allow TKO and its affiliates to operate their own title system, inspired by the UFC model, including its own boxing league, rankings and belts, while fighters could choose between the traditional system or the new model.
California became the first state commission to formally approve the changes, with a unanimous 6-0 vote on October 15. However, the decision has generated widespread backlash from former fighters, trainers and promoters who warn of the risks of a monopoly and reduced rights for athletes.
Goldenboy accuses Dana White of having “very good levers”
Dana White’s good relationship with President Donald Trump will give him an ace up his sleeve to get all the changes to boxing laws approved for his benefit. For the Goldenboy, Dana went to his friend in the White House to push for these changes to the Ali Act. “How little can be said about the American way of life and the First Amendment! I guess it doesn’t apply here,” the promoter continued. “TKO is actively changing legislation so they can openly f*ck fighters.”
In De La Hoya’s controversial view, the fighters will be trapped in a league with no voice or rights, while TKO takes all their money, just as it has done in the UFC. At the end of his episode, the American boxer sent a message to Dana White:
You don’t know anything about boxing. You don’t care about our history, you care less about the fighters. You only seek to consolidate significant economic and media power, while historic world organizations such as the WBC, WBO, WBA and IBF could lose relevance.
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