Gennady Golovkin officially announces his candidacy for president of World Boxing

Gennady Golovkin (42-2-1, 37 KOs) hung up his gloves in September 2022 after completing his trilogy with Canelo Álvarez (63-3-2, 39 KOs), but he never really left the sport. The former world champion, now president of Kazakhstan’s National Olympic Committee, is taking his next big step. Golovkin has officially declared his candidacy for president of World Boxing, the organization that governs Olympic boxing.

No comeback fights, just leadership

For weeks, rumors swirled about a possible Golovkin return to the ring. As one of the most feared middleweights of his era, a high-profile exhibition fight – like those staged by Floyd Mayweather, Mike Tyson, or Manny Pacquiao – would not have surprised fans. But Golovkin silenced the speculation by putting his focus on leading the sport.

“I am honoured to announce my candidacy for President of World Boxing,” Golovkin said on Instagram. “If elected I will work to ensure boxing’s Olympic future, restore global confidence, and guarantee that every federation, coach, and athlete has a fair chance to grow. Our mission is clear: to achieve full IOC recognition and to confirm boxing’s place at the Olympic Games in Los Angeles 2028, Brisbane 2032 and beyond.”

Election set for November in Rome

The vote for World Boxing president will take place on November 23 in Rome, Italy. Golovkin’s main opponent is Mariolis Charilaos, former president of the Hellenic Boxing Federation in Greece. There was talk of Wladimir Klitschko entering the race, but that never materialized. Golovkin, who won silver at the 2004 Athens Olympics and became a two-time middleweight world champion, has also served as president of Kazakhstan’s National Olympic Committee and the World Boxing Olympic Commission since last September.

World Boxing rises as IBA struggles

World Boxing was created to replace the sanctioned International Boxing Association (IBA) within the Olympic movement. Golovkin and Charilaos are vying to succeed Boris Van der Vorst, who led the organization through its founding years and is not seeking reelection. The organization now includes more than 44 international federations, and continues to gain influence.

Olympic experience and a winning record

Golovkin has always been closely linked to Olympic-style boxing. Kazakhstan is a powerhouse in the sport, feared in European and World Championships alike. The country has earned 24 Olympic boxing medals: seven gold, seven silver, and 10 bronze. Inside and outside the ring, Golovkin has shown he knows what it takes to succeed in boxing.

Gennady Golovkin officially announces his candidacy for president of World Boxing

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