Ali Testifies Before Senate On Boxing Reform

Jet, May 10, 1999

Boxing legend Muhammad Ali appeared before a Senate Commerce Committee to have his opinions heard on boxing reform.

Ali's longtime friend Howard Bingham sat beside the former champion to convey Ali's feelings before the committee.

"Ali has become increasingly upset about the scandals that have occurred in professional boxing," Bingham said.

The boxing great is particularly interested in the parts of a bill introduced by Sen. John McCain (R-AZ), named for Ali, that would prohibit promoters from signing boxers to "coercive option" contracts that prevent fighters from controlling their careers.

McCain introduced a similar bill last year that was approved in the Senate, but it made no progress in the House of Representatives.

In a letter to McCain in February, Ali said he supports the bill. He added that the legislation has taken on added importance because of the disputed heavyweight title match between Evander Holyfield and Lennox Lewis. Many felt Lewis won the bout hands down, but judges awarded the fight to Holyfield.