Oscar De La Hoya criticises new Muhammad Ali Act ruling backed by Dana White

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White has already drawn criticism from several promoters and fighters due to the changes he wants to bring into the sport.

In addition to his plan to recognise only The Ring belt, White has also been pushing for adjustments to existing boxing legislation.

“I’m not changing the Ali Act. All I’m doing is adding something to it,” he said. “Boxers can still operate under the Ali Act as they do today or they can sign with me.”

The Athletic’s Mike Coppinger reported that a new motion had been passed by an 8-0 vote, which allows the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) and Executive Officer Andy Foster to continue their talks with White regarding amendments around Zuffa Boxing.

Oscar De La Hoya comments on California commission’s decision

The California State Athletic Commission gathered on October 15 to determine whether they would endorse the Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act for boxing.

Some critics believe the changes could harm the sport by erasing parts of its history and reducing fighters’ influence. However, there has also been significant backing for the proposal, which continued to build momentum during the meeting.

Support came from figures like WWE president Nick Khan and longtime UFC referee John McCarthy, while former UFC fighters Matt Brown and Kajan Johnson voiced their opposition.

The opposition didn’t sway the outcome, as the commission voted unanimously in favour of the new version of the Act. Oscar De La Hoya responded on his Instagram story, reminding fans why he believes boxing’s tradition is worth preserving.

Muhammad Ali’s family appears to be divided over the Revival Act

After the commission’s ruling, WWE president and TKO executive Nick Khan thanked them in a statement and claimed to have support from Muhammad Ali’s wife.

“As the commission is fully aware, the Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act is supported by Lonnie Ali, wife of the greatest, Muhammad Ali,” Khan wrote in a Zuffa Boxing statement. “We know Lonnie personally and can share with what she said to us: ‘This is a great opportunity for boxers, and this is what Muhammad would have wanted.’”

Muhammad Ali’s grandson, Biaggio Ali Walsh, took a different view. The PFL-signed MMA fighter voiced his concerns about the Revival Act on social media back on August 11.

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“As an Ali, I’m completely against altering the Muhammad Ali Act. My grandfather fought for it to protect fighters from getting screwed over. Remove it, and promoters take control while fighters get paid less. Keep the act and protect the fighters who put their lives on the line.”