Proposed changes to the Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act could force the World Boxing Association to abandon its long-criticized “Regular” world title.
A provision in the Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act of 2026, currently under debate in Congress, would require sanctioning organizations to recognize only one championship title per weight class while also heavily restricting interim belts.
While the proposal would apply to all sanctioning bodies operating in the United States, the WBA’s long-standing system of multiple champions in the same division could be the most directly affected.
WBA Regular Title Under Scrutiny
Unlike the other major organizations, the WBA has operated for years with more than one champion in the same weight class.
At heavyweight, Oleksandr Usyk is recognized as the WBA “Super” champion, while Murat Gassiev holds the WBA “Regular” title.
Because both are treated as world championships, the structure could clash with the proposed one-champion rule outlined in the legislation.
World Boxing News has closely followed the controversy surrounding the WBA Regular belt for years.
The situation dates back to 2011, when the WBA introduced the “Super Champion” designation following Wladimir Klitschko’s victory over David Haye.
A secondary “Regular” title was then created for other contenders, effectively establishing two champions within the same organization.
The decision was widely criticized as unnecessary belt inflation.
Alexander Povetkin became the first WBA Regular heavyweight champion later that year when he defeated Ruslan Chagaev.
More than a decade later, the title is still generating debate.
A Decade Of Controversy
Over the years, the WBA Regular belt has been linked to disputes, delays, legal wrangles, and a string of confusing championship scenarios.
The title has passed through fighters including Ruslan Chagaev, Lucas Browne, Trevor Bryan, and Daniel Dubois before eventually landing with Pulev.
Despite repeated pledges from WBA officials to streamline the championship structure, the belt has continued to resurface across multiple divisions.
WBN previously described the situation as a “curse” surrounding the title after more than a decade of controversy and broken reform promises.
Other Belts Unlikely To Change
Most other sanctioning bodies would see little structural impact if the proposed rule becomes law.
The WBC, IBF, and WBO generally recognize only one champion per division, although they still maintain secondary belts such as Silver, International, and Gold.
Those designations are not typically treated as world championships and would likely remain unaffected under the proposed legislation.
That means the WBA appears to be the organization most clearly in the crosshairs if the measure ever passes in its current form.
Wider Ali Act Reforms Under Debate
The proposed overhaul of the Ali Act also includes several broader reforms aimed at modernizing boxing’s regulatory framework.
Among the main measures under discussion are:
- The creation of Unified Boxing Organizations, allowing league-style boxing promotions similar to mixed martial arts structures
- A minimum payment of $200 per round for fighters
- Expanded medical testing requirements, including neurological and brain health examinations
- Minimum $50,000 injury insurance and $15,000 accidental death coverage
- Anti-doping standards based on the World Anti-Doping Agency prohibited list
Lawmakers are debating the legislation as part of an attempt to update federal boxing regulations first introduced with the Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act in 2000.
If adopted, the proposal could force the WBA to dismantle one of the most controversial championship structures in modern boxing.
About the Author
Phil Jay is the Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News (WBN) and a veteran boxing reporter with 15+ years of experience. He has interviewed world champions, broken international exclusives, and reported ringside since 2010. Read full bio.
