Gennady Golovkin, former middleweight world champion, became president of World Boxing at the organization’s annual congress in Rome.
At 43, Golovkin stood unopposed and officially succeeded Dutchman Boris van der Vorst as president.
He pledged to restore trust in boxing and secure the sport’s future at Olympic competitions.
World Boxing earned provisional recognition from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in February, allowing it to oversee boxing at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
The IOC managed boxing at the 2020 and 2024 Olympics after expelling the International Boxing Association (IBA) due to governance, financial, and refereeing issues.
Golovkin vowed to build a federation that athletes can trust and that the Olympic movement recognizes fully.
Olympic Legacy and Professional Career
Golovkin won a silver medal at the 2004 Athens Olympics in the middleweight division.
He captured multiple amateur world and Asian titles before turning professional.
Golovkin held the middleweight world title for years and earned a reputation as one of the fiercest boxers of his generation.
He has not fought since September 2022, when he lost the third bout of his trilogy against Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez.
His professional record stands at 45 fights, with only two losses to Alvarez and a controversial draw in their first match.
Golovkin emphasized that his experience as an athlete gives him a unique perspective on the needs of boxers.
Vision for World Boxing
Golovkin outlined a four-point plan for his presidency: prioritizing athletes, integrity, innovation, and financial stability.
He stressed the importance of unity within the sport and regaining the confidence of the IOC and Olympic family.
Golovkin said, “I am here to fight for something important—the future of boxing itself. Together we can achieve full IOC recognition.”
He committed to making World Boxing a federation that prioritizes athletes’ voices and ensures transparency in governance.
The former champion also aims to develop programs that promote financial stability and support for amateur and professional athletes alike.
Van der Vorst, elected in 2023, voluntarily stepped aside and chose not to pursue a second term.
Golovkin’s presidency represents a strategic effort to stabilize Olympic boxing, rebuild credibility, and guide the sport toward long-term growth.
He called on all members of the organization to collaborate and create a sustainable, athlete-focused future for boxing.
