World Boxing has named former middleweight world champion Gennady Golovkin as the chair of its newly established Olympic Commission. His primary responsibility will be to guide the organization in its efforts to become the sport’s recognized international federation, especially in light of the void left by the International Boxing Association (IBA).
Launched in 2023, World Boxing comprises 44 member organizations and is striving to fill the gap created when the International Olympic Committee (IOC) stripped the IBA of its recognition last year. This decision has left boxing off the program for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, prompting the IOC to urge national federations to create a new global governing body for the sport.
Golovkin, regarded as one of the best pound-for-pound boxers in history and a silver medalist at the 2004 Athens Olympics, also became the president of Kazakhstan’s National Olympic Committee earlier this year. In his new role, he will collaborate closely with World Boxing’s leadership to manage relationships with the IOC and oversee initiatives aimed at reinstating boxing in the Olympic program for the upcoming Los Angeles Games.
World Boxing stated that the Olympic Commission’s main objectives include attracting new members, ensuring financial sustainability, and supporting the IOC’s recognition process. “Preserving boxing as an Olympic sport is paramount, and this will be my top priority,” Golovkin affirmed. He also expressed his intent to work closely with the IOC to uphold the Olympic values of honesty, fairness, and transparency.
Golovkin is optimistic that his extensive experience as a professional athlete will facilitate systematic development within World Boxing. “Through our joint efforts, we will give boxing a new impetus for growth, but there is still much to be done,” he added.
Additionally, World Boxing announced plans to host its inaugural world championships in Liverpool next year, marking a significant step in its mission to rejuvenate the sport.
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