Gennady Golovkin, former world middleweight champion and Olympic silver medalist, has taken on a pivotal role as the chair of World Boxing, aiming to safeguard boxing’s place in the Olympics. With the International Boxing Association losing its recognition from the International Olympic Committee in 2023, boxing's future in the Games, particularly Los Angeles 2028, became uncertain. Now, Golovkin is stepping in to ensure the sport’s continuity on the world stage.
Golovkin, who earned his Olympic silver medal for Kazakhstan in 2004, has shifted from competing in the ring to working behind the scenes. While he hasn’t officially retired following his last fight against Saul "Canelo" Alvarez in 2022, his recent appointment as the president of Kazakhstan's National Olympic Committee and now chairing World Boxing suggests that his focus has moved beyond his own fighting career. His passion, however, remains intact, as he makes it clear that preserving boxing's Olympic status is his top priority.
"As well as for all the sports world, it is important to preserve boxing as an Olympic sport, and this will be my top priority," Golovkin said. He also emphasized the need for boxing to reflect Olympic values such as fairness and transparency, pledging to work closely with the IOC. Golovkin’s vast experience as an athlete, both in the professional and amateur realms, adds weight to his mission. Will his leadership be enough to navigate the sport through these challenging times?
World Boxing, which now boasts 44 member nations, is growing in prominence and has big plans, including its inaugural world championships in Liverpool next year. Golovkin’s task as chair will involve strengthening relationships with the IOC and ensuring that boxing’s future remains bright, particularly in the 2028 Olympics. With his reputation and commitment, many believe that Golovkin is the right man to lead the charge.
GGG is the legend of boxing. Do you know his career well enough?
Image Credit: Mark Squires