Former world middleweight champion Gennady Golovkin has been appointed as the chair of World Boxing's new Olympic Commission, a move aimed at ensuring boxing remains a part of the Olympic Games, particularly for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Golovkin, who is also the President of the National Olympic Committee of Kazakhstan and a 2004 Olympic silver medalist, will play a crucial role in building a closer relationship with the International Olympic Committee (IOC). His primary task will be to oversee the pathway for boxing to be restored to the Olympic program for the 2028 Games.
Key Objectives of the Olympic Commission
The new Olympic Commission, under Golovkin's leadership, will focus on several key areas. These include promoting World Boxing, enhancing membership and recruitment, ensuring financial sustainability, and supporting the IOC's process for recognizing World Boxing as the governing body for the sport.
World Boxing, launched in April 2023, has already gained significant momentum with 44 national federations as members. The organization held its first formal meeting with the IOC in May 2024, marking the beginning of formal collaboration to secure boxing's place in the Olympics.
Golovkin's Commitment and Experience
Golovkin, with his extensive experience in both Olympic and professional boxing, is well-positioned to lead this initiative. He has emphasized the importance of preserving boxing as an Olympic sport and has committed to working closely with the IOC to ensure boxing adheres to the Olympic values of honesty, fairness, and transparency.
Golovkin's professional career includes a remarkable record of 42 wins, two losses, and a draw, along with his Olympic silver medal. His appointment is seen as a significant boost for World Boxing, given his global recognition and deep understanding of the sport.
Future Steps and Membership
In the coming weeks, additional members will be added to the Commission to ensure it is diverse and representative of the global boxing community. Golovkin has also expressed his expectation that the National Federation for boxing in Kazakhstan will lead by example as a full member of World Boxing.
The IOC has set a deadline for early next year for a credible governing body to be in place, following years of turmoil with the International Boxing Association (IBA). World Boxing's efforts, led by Golovkin, are critical in meeting this deadline and securing boxing's future in the Olympics.
