Latest news with #ShariceDavids
The Independent
6 days ago
- Politics
- The Independent
What is the Muhammad Ali Revival Act and how will it affect boxing and fighters?
On Wednesday evening, the boxing world became gripped by conversations about a new bill that could change the sport and the way fighters are paid. Purportedly for the better. Potentially for the worse. The bill, named the Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act, was introduced to the US Congress by Representatives Brian Jack and Sharice Davids, with the intention of altering federal regulations around the sport. It is a bill that has been backed by TKO, the UFC ownership group that is crossing into boxing, with UFC president Dana White co-promoting September's seismic Canelo vs Crawford fight in tandem with Saudi adviser Turki Alalshikh. The name of the bill comes from the Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act of 2000 (widely referred to as the 'Ali Act'). The key aims of that act were: '(1) to protect the rights and welfare of professional boxers on an interstate basis, by preventing certain exploitative, oppressive, and unethical business practices; (2) to assist State boxing commissions in their efforts to provide more effective public oversight of the sport; and (3) to promote honorable competition in professional boxing and enhance the overall integrity of the industry.' Just as the Ali Act sought to amend the 1996 Professional Boxing Safety Act, so does the Revival Act. On the face of it, the intentions of both acts are noble, so why were there qualms with the former, and why has the latter proven so controversial? Why is the Revival Act controversial, and what criticisms did the original Ali Act face? Well, at the time of the Ali Act's introduction, some questioned what right Congress had to regulate boxing, given it regulates no other sports. There was also the criticism that the Act had laid out a series of rules for Congress to enforce, but without clear methods of how to enforce them. But to a more pertinent point: on Wednesday evening (23 July), there were altogether different criticisms being aimed at the Revival Act, the main one being that it could see UFC's widely derided style of fighter pay cross into boxing, harming the earning ability of athletes while claiming to do the opposite. Why does the UFC receive criticism over fighter pay? The UFC recently settled an antitrust lawsuit, which claimed the mixed martial arts (MMA) promotion suppressed fighters' ability to negotiate; it was suggested that the UFC had essentially forged a monopoly in MMA. In October, the UFC agreed to pay $380m to a group of former fighters who had competed under its banner between 2010 and 2017, with approximately 1,100 deemed as affected and 97 per cent of them applying to receive funds. The fighters in question received compensation payments between $100,000 and $1m, according to the firm that handled the lawsuit. In general, average fighter pay in the UFC is believed to be much lower than in boxing, though UFC president White has continuously insisted that the media does not know the real numbers. The Independent understands that many fighters enter the promotion on a contract where they earn $12,000 to fight and another $12,000 if they win – with those figures increasing after three bouts, and with $50,000 bonuses available (Fight of the Night, Performance of the Night). The UFC antitrust lawsuit also confirmed numerous reports that, in 2010, the UFC took home approximately 80 per cent of its overall earnings, with fighters left with less than 20 per cent. In comparison, basketball's NBA and its players received around 50 per cent each at the time, and they still do. Currently, players in the WNBA (Women's NBA) are pushing the league for a similar pay system. But how does the UFC's track record on fighter pay relate to the Revival Act, beyond the fact that its parent company (as of 2023) is backing the new bill? What specific changes does the Revival Act seek to make? The Revival Act seeks to allow the creation of Unified Boxing Organisations (UBOs), which would serve as alternatives to boxing's current sanctioning bodies: chiefly the World Boxing Council, World Boxing Association, World Boxing Organization, International Boxing Federation, and International Boxing Organization. Just as those bodies have their own champions, so would UBOs. One UBO would be Zuffa Boxing, likely overseen by UFC president White and Saudi adviser Alalshikh. The UBOs would also pay a minimum national compensation of $150 per round for professional boxers, a figure that might be seen as substantial by very low-level boxers but pitiful by anyone else. The new system would also bid to improve the minimum health insurance available to boxers and access to anti-doping programmes – which can be costly for promoters. As it stands, the minimums in those aspects are controlled by individual states in the US. Many undercard boxers compete in six-round fights, meaning – if they went the distance – they would be expected to earn $900 under the new system. That is understood to be less than a boxer would earn on most shows now, and the sum would struggle to cover the costs of coaching, sparring partners, travel and/or accommodation. These are expenses that fighters are often expected to pay during camp. So, what now? It is worth stressing that this act has not yet been passed. It is likely to be referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, the same House that received the 1996 and 2000 acts, with a vote in the House of Representatives being the next step. Thereafter, it would be sent to the US Senate.
Daily Mail
19-07-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE The simple diet and training plan behind Manny Pacquiao's boxing return at 46 in Las Vegas tonight
A background in combat sports isn't unheard of in politics. Current U.S. Congresswoman Sharice Davids and Senator Markwayne Mullin both have MMA experience, while late Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid was once an accomplished amateur boxer in Nevada. Even Abraham Lincoln earned a reputation as a dangerous wrestler before running for the Illinois House of Representatives in 1832. Manny Pacquiao, the 46-year-old former senator from the Philippines, is going in the opposite direction. After suffering defeats in presidential and senatorial elections in 2022 and 2025, respectively, the newly enshrined Boxing Hall of Famer is ending his political career and his four-year boxing retirement to return to the ring on Saturday in Las Vegas. And rather than a few warmup bouts, he is instead diving in on the deep end of the welterweight pool by challenging 30-year-old Mario Barrios – a WBC champion born when the young Pacquiao was already 3-0 as a professional. 'There's never going to be another Manny Pacquiao,' former rival and current analyst Chris Algieri told Daily Mail ahead of Saturday's bout on Prime Video. 'He is one of one.' Algieri's expertise on Pacquiao is almost comprehensive. Not only did he fight PacMan in 2014, dropping a unanimous decision, but the Long Island native has learned even more about the Philippines' favorite son by covering him as a television analyst. What's more, Algieri has a master's degree in clinical nutrition, so it's no surprise he credits Pacquiao's stunningly simple diet, in part, for the boxing legend's success. 'I have a very unique experience with Manny Pacquiao,' the 41-year-old Algieri said. 'Obviously, we fought, but you know, I'm a commentator. Now I call fights.' One such assignment came in 2018, when Algieri covered Pacquiao's TKO win over Lucas Matthysse in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It was there, Algieri explained, where he discovered Pacquiao stashed up in his hotel room with a bowl of rice, some ground beef and, for dessert, a banana. 'In [pre-broadcast] fighter meetings, normally the fighters come to you,' Algieri explained. 'We went to Manny. We went to his room, and he was finishing up dinner, and he's sitting there, and he's eating his food. 'And I think it's the simplicity of what he's done throughout his career,' Algieri continued. 'Three times a day and he just sticks to it. It's basics, it's protein, it's carbs, it's nutrition.' Don't let the simplicity of Pacquiao's diet fool you: He's not exactly starving himself. As Pacquiao's strength and conditioning coach, J ustin Fortune, told Yahoo! Sports in 2019, the former eight-division world champion has the metabolism to burn 7,000 calories a day – a necessity for naturally petite fighter hoping to bulk up against larger competitors. So while other welterweights are starving themselves to clear 147 pounds, Pacquiao typically gorges himself on what Fortune described as 'clean food': steak, chicken and beef tinola broth, typically served with white rice or some dried squid. 'This guy's a warrior,' Algieri said. 'He doesn't get real heavy between fights. He doesn't seem like he's super indulgent. All those things have led to him being almost eternal.' And it's not only his diet where Pacquiao keeps it simple. While training for his 2014 bout against Pacquiao, Algieri filmed a segment with HBO, where producers gave him a small window into his opponent's camp. 'When I was training to fight him and HBO came to film my strength and conditioning, they're like, "Wow, man, you're doing a lot of new age, really cool stuff."' Pacquiao, they said, was more of a throwback while working with long-time trainer Freddie Roach. 'They're like: "Man, he basically just runs and boxes,"' Algieri laughed. Of course, that was a decade ago. And while Pacquiao insisted with reporters this week that he's 'still active in terms of exercise, training,' physical advantages like speed, strength and durability are naturally waning at age 46. Furthermore, as Algieri pointed out, Pacquiao 'isn't George Foreman' coming back at 38 in the heavyweight division, where a lumbering slugger can get away with being a bit slower. Instead, Pacquiao is fighting an active welterweight in Barrios, who towers over him by more than six inches and boasts a four-inch reach advantage. Were this prime Pacquiao, Algieri explained, it wouldn't be a problem. Pacquiao has enjoyed tremendous success against taller fighters, and has traditionally outpunched even the most active of opponents. 'The guy that we saw prior to [his 2012 knockout loss to Juan Manuel Marquez], that version of Manny Pacquiao was a demon,' Algieri said. 'He was shot out of a cannon. He's throwing a ton of punches. It volume, it was speed, it was power. You hit him, sure, he's coming right through it.' Pacquiao was already evolving by the time he knocked Algieri down six times en route to a unanimous-decision victory in 2014. 'The version who boxed me fought really well, he fought on the outside quite a bit, he threw volume when he had the opportunity,' Algieri said, adding Pacquiao 'was slippery too.' By then, Pacquiao was less concerned with knockouts which is why Algieri admits he 'didn't take that much damage' in the bout. In the ensuing years, Pacquiao became 'more of a boxer' than a puncher, according to Algieri. In fact, Pacquiao has only one stoppage victory in the last 15 years and is now far more likely to win on the cards as he did in his split-decision upset of Keith Thurman in 2019. 'The version that beat Thurman was more of this new age Manny, although that fight, he did stand in the pocket a little more, he did let Thurman hit him, which I was surprised, because Thurman could really punch,' Algieri said. 'Manny was super impressive that night against Thurman.' Barrios is the favorite on Saturday, which Algieri concedes, but he's also watched Pacquiao far too much to write him off completely. And even if Pacquiao's recent professional life has been spent in the Philippines' senate, he still has 30 years of ring experience, and that's tough to ignore.
The Hill
18-07-2025
- Health
- The Hill
LGBTQ+ mental health hotline shuts down
WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) — The LGBTQ-specific part of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline shut down Thursday following a directive from the Trump administration, drawing bipartisan criticism from lawmakers and mental health advocates who warn the move endangers lives. The specialized LGBTQ+ line, launched in 2022, offered targeted support for individuals in crisis and had fielded more than 1.2 million calls, texts, and chats since its debut. 'There's more than a million of those moments where someone thought it would be better if they weren't here, and they had someone to call,' said Rep. Sharice Davids (D-Kan.). The Trump administration eliminated resources for diversity, equity and inclusion programs, including this crisis line. 'It's been very successful,' said Rep. Paul Tonko (D-N.Y.). 'And President Trump has determined to put politics ahead of care, ahead of saving lives.' According to the Trevor Project, about 40 percent of LGBTQ youth seriously considered suicide in the past year. Those with access to affirming mental health services like the 988 line were significantly less likely to attempt it. Even some Republicans, such as Rep. Mike Lawler (N.Y.), are urging the Department of Health and Human Services to restore the LGBTQ+ line. 'To me, this is about saving lives,' said Lawler. 'It is about preventing suicide. And it's something all of us as Americans should be unified on.' Lawmakers say the shutdown not only strips away critical mental health support but also sends a harmful message to vulnerable communities. 'Whether you are part of the LGBTQ community, whether someone in your family is or you have friends that are, every single one of us should be concerned about that,' Davids said. Lawmakers have sent a letter urging HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to immediately reverse the shutdown. As of now, the agency has not announced any changes.
Yahoo
11-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Reps. Cleaver, Davids announce federal funding for World Cup security
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Two Kansas City-area members of Congress announced Friday that federal funding has been approved to help cities keep visitors safe when they attend the World Cup matches next year. Reps. Emanuel Cleaver II and Sharice Davids said in a statement that Congress has passed $625 million to support safety and security efforts in the 11 host cities, including Kansas City, during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Gov. Kehoe repeals voter-approved changes to Missouri's minimum wage, sick leave law Kansas City is set to host six matches and is expected to welcome 650,000 visitors next year in June and July, according to estimates cited by Rep. Cleaver's office. Kansas City is also expected to host a minimum of eight teams during the World Cup. Rep. Cleaver and Rep. Davids, both co-chairs of the Congressional FIFA World Cup 2026 Caucus, said they have worked across party lines throughout the past year to build support for federal investments in World Cup host cities. 'The 2026 World Cup is an opportunity to showcase Kansas City on the world stage, demonstrating our status as a welcoming, beautiful and first-rate city to hundreds of thousands of people from around the globe,' Rep. Cleaver said in a statement. 'However, with this temporary swell in population, it is imperative that we also increase security services for the safety of visitors and residents alike, which is no small task for an event this large.' 'Hosting the World Cup is an incredible opportunity for Kansas City—not just to welcome the world, but to show the world who we are,' Rep. Davids added. 'With hundreds of thousands of visitors expected, ensuring public safety must be a top priority.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Rep. Davids announces $1.8 million investment in airport safety in Gardner
Kansas City, Mo. – On Thursday, Representative Sharice Davids announced a new Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grant to improve air safety at Johnson County's New Century AirCenter in Gardner, Kansas. The $1.8 million award will be used to reconstruct 7,330 feet of existing runway and 16 existing points of signage, that need to be replaced. Most airports are operating smoothly on the first day of the REAL ID requirement 'I am thrilled to see this investment from the bipartisan infrastructure law coming to the third district,' Davids said. 'By improving New Century AirCenter, we're not only boosting economic growth and supporting good-paying jobs, we're also strengthening Kansas' role as a leader in shipping and logistics, which improves domestic supply chains and lowers costs for Kansas Families and businesses.' With more than 60,000 operations each year, roughly 120 aircraft and a 7,339-foot runway – the second longest in the region – New Century ranks among the busiest towered airports in Kansas. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
