Debbie Dingell: “the House Commerce Committee has a long history of investigating problems in professional boxing. Since 1965, the…”

“the House Commerce Committee has a long history of investigating problems in professional boxing. Since 1965, the committee has held numerous hearings and considered a broad array of legislation in this area. Over the years, persistent allegations of serious improprieties have plagued professional boxing, including: First, inadequate health and safety protections for boxers; second, organized crime influence; third, boxer exploitation; fourth, fan deception, such as mismatches and fixed contests; fifth, blatant conflicts of interest between regulators and those who promote and arrange matches; sixth, market monopolization; seventh, the industry's inability to police itself; and eighth, the inadequacy of existing regulation at the State and local levels. Despite a variety of efforts, no law has been enacted to date. During the past few weeks, Representative Manton and I have worked with Chairmen Bliley and Oxley, Representative Williams, Senators McCain and Bryan, and with others, to seek a consensus on this legislation. Last week, the Commerce Committee reported the same bill we are considering today by voice vote. I believe this compromise represents a positive step forward in trying to address some of the most egregious problems in the boxing industry.”