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Tennessee Athletic Commission authorizes rulemaking on fees, boxing standards and exhibitions
Summary
The commission authorized legal counsel March 9 to draft rule changes to align boxing rules with ABC standards, study minimum fees to cover additional inspectors, and tighten licensing for exhibitions that operate as professional contests, with possible implementation later in 2026.
The Tennessee Athletic Commission voted March 9 to authorize legal staff to begin rulemaking on three topics: aligning boxing rules with Association of Boxing Commissions (ABC) standards, developing a minimum-fee model to cover additional inspector costs at large events, and clarifying when exhibitions require professional licensing.
Jesse Gentry, the commissions legal counsel, described a federal bill that would amend the Muhammad Ali Act and said the commission and other states are tracking it. He recommended a single rulemaking proceeding to address: (1) ABC alignment for boxing rules similar to prior MMA and kickboxing updates; (2) a minimum fee structure to recoup inspector costs for events that require extra oversight; and (3) clearer rules to ensure exhibitions that are effectively professional contests are licensed.
"We are starting to see fights that are having more expenditures for having additional inspectors," Gentry said, noting streaming and changes in event structure are shifting revenue sources. He suggested a per-inspector minimum payment model to cover those costs rather than a blanket fee increase.
Commission members asked about models other states use; Gentry mentioned Florida as a possible example and said he would research specific inspector ratios. Ben Grove moved to authorize drafting rule language covering the three areas; Corey Cipolla seconded. The panel approved the motion by roll-call vote (Grove: aye; Quinley: aye; Cipolla: aye).
Gentry said the rules could take time to complete and might not be ready for the June meeting but expected work later in 2026. The commission directed counsel to draft the proposals and present them at a future meeting for formal consideration.
The meeting then moved on to remaining items and adjourned.
