Olympic silver medalist in Athens and multiple world champion, Gennadiy Golovkin is returning to the ring. This time, he's not aiming for a medal, but the presidency of World Boxing. The current president of the Kazakhstani National Olympic Committee will face off against Greece's Mariolis Charilaos on November 23 in Rome, at the international federation's congress. He will present his platform for Francs Jeux.
You've accomplished everything in the ring. Why are you running for the presidency of World Boxing now?
The answer is simple: boxing was at risk of losing its Olympic status, and I couldn't just stand by and let that happen. There comes a point when you realize that it's no longer about medals, but about what you can do for the sport. I started in a small gym in Kazakhstan, climbed every rung of the ladder, and saw what athletes go through, the good and the bad. Boxing gave me a life, but I also saw how fragile that life can be when the system around it fails. Today, I want to use what I've learned to make things a little fairer, a little more honest, one step at a time.
Your name appears among the candidates for the position of president, but also for those of vice-president and board member. Why this choice?
Because I truly want to contribute to the world of boxing. I hope to be elected president, but if not, I want to contribute in a different way within World Boxing.
How does your experience as an athlete bring you today as a leader?
I've boxed as an amateur and a professional. I've been involved in this sport for over 30 years. I started in a small town and made it to the biggest rings. I've experienced the uncertainty, the sacrifices, the moments of pride, the pressure of competition. I don't need anyone to explain what it feels like; I know it from experience. I know the daily reality of athletes who train hard, and I will never lose sight of why we are here.
What are your priorities?
First and foremost, it's about the athletes: we must listen to them and protect them. Secondly, it's about transparency in how the federation operates. The goal is to strengthen boxing in preparation for the next Olympic Games. Much has been done to keep boxing on the Olympic program for the past two years. We need to conduct an audit to identify our strengths, weaknesses, and areas where immediate action is required. This involves open communication, as well as the participation of athletes and independent voices.
In your cover letter, you say that you want World Boxing to innovate. How?
Innovation must be responsible, progressive, and always protect the human element. The IOC reminds us that technology must serve athletes and integrity, not replace people. For us, innovation means practical tools that make sport clearer, safer, and easier to understand, for athletes, officials, and fans alike. We will begin by determining where technology can truly add value: in education, in transparency of judging, in helping referees make the right decisions, or in protecting athlete welfare. We will conduct tests.
The IOC has shown a clear interest in mixed-gender events. Is this a possibility in boxing?
Why not? Mixed events represent an interesting development within the Olympic Movement. Boxing has a long Olympic tradition, and for us, it's important not to make symbolic changes, but to ensure that any new format genuinely protects athletes and respects the integrity of the competition. That said, we remain open to innovation, provided it's based on a proper feasibility and safety assessment, consultation with athletes, and compliance with Olympic standards. If, in the future, such a concept can enhance inclusion and fairness without compromising safety, we will consider it.
Do you feel pressure related to the upcoming Olympic boxing competition?
We know we need to convince the IOC, and to do that, we need to present concrete results. Boxing has been part of Olympic history for over a century, reflecting the fundamental values of the Olympic movement: courage, respect, and discipline. But as the IOC often reminds us, no sport has a guaranteed place. Each must continue to earn it by protecting athletes, ensuring gender balance, and operating transparently. For boxing, this means demonstrating integrity at every level, from refereeing to governance. I am convinced that if we consistently adhere to these standards, boxing will not only remain on the Olympic program but will also strengthen its role within it.
This year, World Boxing implemented a gender testing policy, which has caused some problems for some athletes. What is your view on this approach?
This is a very sensitive subject that must always be addressed with respect, fairness, and scientific responsibility. Boxing is a full-contact combat sport, which is why it is essential to have clear and consistent eligibility criteria, first and foremost to protect the safety, fairness, and well-being of athletes in the ring. World Boxing follows and will continue to follow the guidelines of the IOC, the relevant medical and ethical commissions, and international human rights standards. The dignity and privacy of every athlete must be respected at all times, and every process must be handled individually, confidentially, and in accordance with recognized medical protocols. Our responsibility is to ensure that the participation criteria are transparent, based on scientific data, and applied consistently, so that every athlete who steps into the ring can compete safely and on a level playing field.
