The former Kazakhstani boxing champion Gennadiy Golovkin is set to assume the presidency of the organization responsible for overseeing Olympic boxing at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.

Golovkin, who had been set to challenge Greek official Harilaos Mariolis for the World Boxing presidency in a vote in Rome, is now the sole eligible candidate following a review by the organization’s vetting panel.

“It means that Gennadiy Golovkin will become President of World Boxing,” the organization said in a statement. Golovkin will become president Sunday in Rome, succeeding Boris van der Vorst.

“I have been informed that the only other candidate for the position of president … has been declared ineligible,” Golovkin said in a statement provided to The Associated Press through a representative. World Boxing, formed in 2023 amid clashes with the International Olympic Committee, gave no reason for Mariolis’s disqualification.

“I would like to acknowledge the work of the Independent Vetting Panel of World Boxing in helping to ensure that all elections take place in a fair and transparent manner, according to the highest standards of governance in Olympic sport. Although I am now the only candidate for the position of president, I am still looking forward to meeting the delegates on Sunday and presenting my strategy to lead World Boxing over the next four years.”

A 2004 Olympic silver medalist known by his nickname GGG, Golovkin was long regarded as the favorite for the presidency, particularly after leading a World Boxing delegation to strengthen ties with the IOC.

The IOC had previously suggested boxing might be excluded from the 2028 Games, though it confirmed the sport’s inclusion in March.

In an Instagram post in October, Golovkin emphasized his goals. “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.”

He added, “The 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.”

When he announced his candidacy in October, the news was met with widespread support from the boxing community. Óscar de la Hoya, Olympic gold medalist from 1992 and prominent Mexican-American promoter, posted, “@goldenboy is in your corner.” Giovanni DeCarolis, head coach of Italy’s national team and two-time middleweight world champion, commented, “A man of great humility and honor, congratulations @gggboxing.” And British former cruiserweight champion Tony Bellew weighed in, saying, “Just what amateur boxing needs!!”

Golovkin retired with a professional record of 42-2-1 and has served as president of Kazakhstan’s National Olympic Committee, as well as chair of World Boxing’s Olympic Commission since September 2024.