Gennady Golovkin, the renowned boxing champion, has announced his candidacy for the presidency of World Boxing, with a focus on safeguarding the sport’s future in the Olympic arena. This initiative comes in response to the unsettling news that boxing was omitted from the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic program, a decision influenced by the expulsion of the International Boxing Association (IBA) from the Olympic movement. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the newly formed federation, World Boxing, has stepped in with the goal of restoring the sport’s prestigious Olympic status. Fortunately, it received provisional recognition from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) earlier this year, a significant achievement that secures boxing’s inclusion in the upcoming LA 2028 Games.
In his announcement, Golovkin articulated a vision for the future of boxing that seeks to rejuvenate its standing on the international stage. “With your trust, I will work tirelessly to secure boxing’s Olympic future, restore global confidence in the sport, and ensure that every federation, coach, and athlete—regardless of their size or location—has a fair opportunity to prosper,” stated Golovkin, now aged 43. His deep-rooted passion for boxing, combined with his illustrious career as an Olympic silver medallist and a former world champion in the middleweight category, equips him with the necessary experience and insight to lead this new endeavor. Renowned as one of the most formidable competitors of his era, Golovkin boasts an impressive record, with only two defeats marking his 45-fight career—both to the celebrated Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez—after a previously disputed draw in their first bout that many observers felt he had won.
The context of this election is heightened by the IOC’s involvement in organizing boxing competitions for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and the forthcoming Paris 2024 Games. This action came about as a response to the suspension of the IBA in 2019, which stemmed from serious issues regarding governance, financial practices, refereeing quality, and ethical standards within the organization. The upcoming election in Rome on November 23 is particularly noteworthy, as the incumbent World Boxing president Boris van der Vorst has opted to step down and will not pursue another term.
Golovkin laid out a strategic vision for World Boxing, emphasizing the importance of achieving full IOC recognition by 2026, which is critical to ensuring the sport’s presence not only in Los Angeles 2028 but also in the Brisbane 2032 Olympics. “Our mission for 2026 is clear: to achieve full IOC recognition and guarantee our place in Los Angeles 2028 and Brisbane 2032,” Golovkin confirmed. He recognizes that the fight for recognition goes beyond mere visibility; it seeks to restore and unify boxing’s reputation, positioning it as one cohesive family grounded in respect, transparency, and collaboration.
Challenging Golovkin for this prestigious role is Mariolis Charilaos from Greece, who has considerable experience leading the Hellenic Boxing Federation from 2021 to 2025. Under his leadership, Charilaos implemented essential governance reforms and showcased a commitment to advancing the sport. He spoke passionately about boxing’s historical significance, noting, “Boxing was born in Greece and was among the first Olympic sports. From the ancient Games in Olympia to the present day, it has consistently imparted the values of strength, endurance, and fair play. These principles are at the heart of my vision for World Boxing.”
As the anticipation builds leading up to the election, both candidates present compelling visions for the future of amateur boxing. Each brings unique insights and perspectives that could determine the sport’s trajectory and its representation on the Olympic stage. The outcome of this election is poised to have a lasting impact on the world of boxing, influencing how the sport is managed and promoted in the years to come, especially as it seeks to engage new generations of athletes and maintain its rich legacy.
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