Congress and the Regulation of Professional Boxing in the United States

Excerpt:  “Congress and the federal government have historically played a relatively small role in sports in the United States. With a few notable exceptions—such as Olympic participation, support for female athletes, and youth fitness—the government has left the development and regulation of sporting activities up to participants and states. Another notable exception to this general history has been professional boxing. Congress has a long history of oversight and policymaking intended to address some of the unique issues that have arisen in the sport. This In Focus briefly summarizes the history of congressional interest in boxing and the federal laws enacted to protect boxers.”