In a significant move for the future of Olympic boxing, former world middleweight champion Gennady Golovkin is poised to be elected as the president of World Boxing, the sport's new governing body. The Kazakh star, an Olympic silver medallist in 2004, will lead the organisation's critical buildup to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
From Ring Champion to Administrative Leader
Golovkin, renowned for his record-breaking middleweight title defences in the professional ranks, is the sole presidential candidate approved by the sport's independent vetting panel. His election is scheduled for Sunday, paving the way for him to take the helm of World Boxing. This federation officially replaced the International Boxing Association (IBA) as the governing body for amateur Olympic boxing earlier this year.
The IBA was expelled by the International Olympic Committee in 2023 after being embroiled in persistent controversies surrounding judging, corruption, and poor governance. The 43-year-old Golovkin, whose initial term will run until 2027, has pledged in his manifesto to tackle these very issues head-on.
A Mission to Restore Trust and Ensure an Olympic Future
Central to Golovkin's platform is a promise to restore trust in the sport and guarantee boxing's long-term place in the Olympic programme. "As an amateur, I proudly won a silver medal at the Olympic Games Athens 2004, representing not only Kazakhstan but the values of fair play and discipline that define Olympic boxing," he stated. "As a professional, I became a multiple-time unified world champion, known for my integrity, respect, and commitment to clean competition."
His strategy involves a multi-pronged approach:
- Strengthening governance structures within the sport.
- Ensuring complete financial transparency.
- Developing and implementing technology to guarantee fair and unbiased judging.
- Expanding global opportunities for both male and female boxers.
The Road to Los Angeles 2028
The International Olympic Committee has been seeking a reliable partner for boxing since it took over the running of the tournaments at the Tokyo 2021 and Paris 2024 Games. The situation was further complicated by controversies over gender eligibility at the last Olympics. The IOC's recognition of World Boxing in February marked a turning point.
World Boxing has already begun to institute reforms, having organised the 2025 world championships in Liverpool. Notably, the federation introduced a mandatory sex screening test to determine the eligibility of athletes in male and female categories—a policy the IOC is also considering ahead of the LA 2028 Games. With Golovkin at the forefront, World Boxing aims to navigate these complex issues and secure a bright future for Olympic boxing.
