Nico Ali Walsh Responds to Dana White on Controversial Boxing Bill

The grandson of boxing legend Muhammad Ali, Nico Ali Walsh, has a direct message for UFC founder Dana White, who is pushing for the revival of a controversial law named after his grandfather.

The Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act of 2026, which amends a law originally passed in 2000, is garnering attention as White and TKO Group expand into boxing through Zuffa Boxing. This bill proposes the establishment of a new “United Boxing Organization” (UBO) to manage fighter contracts, promote fights, create rankings, and award titles—all under one umbrella. According to the Congressional Budget Office, this new UBO would have significant control over various aspects of professional boxing.

Walsh, keen to share his views, emphasized the importance of Ali’s legacy in the sport. “This is a direct and respectful message to Dana White. We know what my grandfather’s legacy means to this sport, and we both know his name should not be on this bill as it stands,” he remarked, showing respect for White’s contributions to the UFC.

He proposed a meeting—publicly or privately—to discuss the Ali Act, fighter protection, and the broader implications for the sport they both cherish.

Walsh, who is the child of Muhammad Ali’s daughter Rasheda and nephew to undefeated champion Laila Ali, aims to continue the family’s boxing legacy. The original Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act was designed to combat unfair practices in the sport, creating a barrier between promoters and fighters’ managers. The current law restricts financial interests to prevent conflicts that could harm boxers.

Walsh has concerns that the new proposal undermines this protective firewall. He stated that it would allow one organization to take on multiple roles in boxing, which the original Ali Act sought to prevent.

The bipartisan proposal has already seen support from both sides of the aisle in Congress. Co-sponsored by Rep. Brian Jack (R-Ga.) and Rep. Sharice Davids (D-Kan.), the bill passed in the House and is now with the Senate Commerce Committee.

Oscar De La Hoya, another critic of this initiative, argues that it could pave the way for monopolistic practices in boxing. Interestingly, even Walsh sees room for improvement in the original Ali Act, noting that updates are overdue—especially regarding health benefits for fighters.

Walsh acknowledged the bill aims to enhance the health provisions but warned that these improvements shouldn’t come at the cost of fighters’ rights. Despite varying opinions, proponents believe the new legislation modernizes boxing and promotes the well-being of fighters.

Walsh hopes to raise awareness among fighters about their rights under the existing and proposed laws. “You need to know your rights as a fighter,” he stressed, indicating many may not fully grasp the implications of the proposed changes.

Fox News Digital has reached out to the UFC for a comment regarding the ongoing discourse.