De La Hoya attended the session with Nico Ali Walsh to oppose changes he believes will weaken existing security measures for fighters. The proposed revisions, backed by TKO, aim to reshape how boxing operates under a more centralized structure, a model De La Hoya argues will reduce independence over the sport.
His main objection focused on control. He warned that if one system controlled matches, promotion and distribution, fighters would have limited ability to negotiate terms or build careers outside of that structure.
“When the same company controls who you fight, how you’re promoted and whether fans ever see you, it’s not much of a choice,” said De La Hoya.
He also rejected claims that new standards are needed, arguing that many of the protections being discussed, including minimum wage structures, medical requirements and insurance, are already in place in much of boxing. In his opinion, the legislation is framed as reform while the sport is moving towards a closed model.
The concern, as he explained it, is not just about policy language, but about direction. De La Hoya believes the proposed changes will allow TKO to build a league system with its own belts, rankings and rules, mirroring the structure used in mixed martial arts.
For De La Hoya, the trial itself became part of the issue. The takeaway was not simply disagreement over the bill, but the sense that the outcome had already been decided before opposing voices entered the room.
He left Washington seeing the process as largely symbolic, and the next steps as already underway.
