Boxing’s Olympic future is hanging in the balance. With the International Olympic Committee (IOC) needing to recognise a new federation, the sport’s inclusion in the next Games remains uncertain. Legendary boxer Gennadiy Golovkin has stepped in to help save Olympic boxing.
The formation of World Boxing and Golovkin’s involvement signal a crucial moment for the sport. As president of the National Olympic Committee of Kazakhstan, his collaboration with the IOC could determine whether boxing remains an Olympic event. However, the journey is fraught with challenges.
Is boxing still an Olympic sport?
Currently, boxing is not included in the programme for the 2028 Los Angeles Games. The sport’s governing body, the International Boxing Association (IBA), has been expelled from the Olympic movement due to scandals. The IOC handled the boxing events at Tokyo 2021 and Paris 2024 but won’t do so for LA 2028.
For boxing to make a return, the IOC must recognise a new international federation that meets its criteria. Without this recognition, the future of Olympic boxing remains uncertain, endangering the sport’s prestigious history in the Games.
What is Golovkin’s involvement?
World Boxing, founded in April 2023, aims to be recognised by the IOC to save Olympic boxing. Gennadiy Golovkin has been appointed chair of the new Olympic Commission within World Boxing. His task is to manage the organisation’s relationship with the IOC and lead efforts to reinstate boxing in the Olympics.
Golovkin’s position as the president of the National Olympic Committee of Kazakhstan bolsters World Boxing’s credibility. His involvement is seen as a strategic move to gain the necessary recognition and support from national federations worldwide.
Can Golovkin save Olympic boxing?
Golovkin, a silver medallist at the 2004 Olympics, brings significant influence and experience to World Boxing. His credibility and connections within the sport are vital for attracting more national federations to join.
World Boxing has 44 national federations as members and held its first formal meeting with the IOC in May 2024. Golovkin’s role could be pivotal in meeting the IOC’s criteria, ensuring the organisation has a broad geographical representation. His involvement is already adding prestige to the body.
What did they say?
Gennadiy Golovkin stated, “For me personally, as well as for all the sports world, it is important to preserve boxing as an Olympic sport, and this will be my top priority.” He emphasized his commitment to upholding Olympic values of honesty, fairness, and transparency.
President of World Boxing, Boris van der Vorst, praised Golovkin, saying, “Gennadiy is one of the most globally significant boxers of the last decade. His experience, expertise, and profile are a significant boost for our organisation.” Golovkin’s dual success in Olympic-style and professional boxing underpins his deep knowledge and importance to the sport.
What does the crisis mean for pro boxing?
The exclusion of boxing from the Olympics would be a disaster for both amateur and professional levels of the sport. Promoter Eddie Hearn explained, “If there’s no Olympics, it will filter through to bringing kids into the sport. The profile of the sport in the Olympics is so important. It would be a massive blow to boxing.”
Two-weight world champion Carl Frampton echoed these concerns, saying, “The knock-on effect would be huge, even for professional boxing. What happens to funding for amateurs? The boxers coming through won’t be as good.” The loss of Olympic status could have far-reaching consequences, affecting the sport’s grassroots and professional levels globally.
The road ahead for World Boxing
Gennadiy Golovkin’s involvement signifies a beacon of hope for Olympic boxing. His reputation and influence within the sport are instrumental as World Boxing seeks IOC recognition.
While World Boxing’s efforts are commendable, the road ahead is fraught with challenges. Meeting the IOC criteria and rallying enough national federations remain critical hurdles. The support from international bodies and the boxing community will be crucial in navigating these challenges.
A pivotal moment in boxing history
Golovkin’s appointment to World Boxing’s Olympic Commission could mark a turning point for the sport. His leadership and strategic vision are expected to drive significant progress in efforts to reinstate boxing in the Olympic programme.
The outcome of World Boxing’s campaign will not only determine the future of Olympic boxing but also impact the sport at all levels. This moment is critical, with the potential to reshape the landscape of boxing for years to come. The stakes have never been higher.
Gennadiy Golovkin’s role with World Boxing represents a critical effort to save Olympic boxing. His experience and influence are vital as the sport faces a precarious future.
As World Boxing strives for IOC recognition, Golovkin’s leadership could be the deciding factor. Olympic boxing’s fate now hangs in the balance, awaiting the outcome of these concerted efforts.
