The Paris Olympics ended on a high note. It witnessed the fulfillment of several dreams and aspirations. But the 33rd edition of the summer games left behind a few questions as well. Among those, one that lingers in many minds remains the future of boxing in the planet’s biggest sporting event. Citing its discomfort following the alleged controversies surrounding the International Boxing Association (IBA), which for long used to conduct the sport at the games, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) decided to pull the strings.

Going separate ways last year, the IOC took care of the sport in Paris. But they also cited challenges to carry on further. With the next Olympics turning up in Los Angeles, widespread concerns over boxing’s prospects emerged. But it seems some steps are being taken to salvage the situation before it’s too late. Following the issues around IBA, a new entity, World Boxing, emerged. Now, to strengthen its argument in running boxing effectively at the Olympics, the splinter group has reportedly appointed Gennady Golovkin to lead the torch.

Gennady Golovkin at World Boxing: A Turning Point for Boxing?

talkSPORT‘s Michael Benson shared a tweet. According to it, the former P4P best and world champion will head World Boxing’s ‘Olympic Commission’, “with the aim of ensuring boxing is restored to the Olympics program in time to be part of LA 2028.”

World Boxing likely expects one of boxing’s biggest names to leverage his influence for their cause. Unlike many regular administrators, Gennady Golovkin remains an example of someone who has been there and done that. The Kazakh warrior is a 2004 Athens silver medalist.

Golovkin hasn’t entered the ring since the September 2022 trilogy contest against Canelo Alvarez. Following months saw reports of the former unified champion trying a hand at entrepreneurship emerge. However, with the Paris Olympics approaching, he made a comeback to sports after receiving an appointment as President of the National Olympic Committee of Kazakhstan.

Considering his elevation at World Boxing is still fresh, followers will be keenly watching the measures he would be adopting to ensure boxing remains one of the key sporting fixtures at the Olympics.

From issues to vision

The decision will be closely monitored across several circles. especially considering the controversy both the IOC and boxing faced during the Paris games. A row erupted as Algerian boxer Imane Khelif commenced her campaign. Khelif, along with Lin Yu-ting, had failed to clear IBA’s gender eligibility test for the 2023 New Delhi-based Women’s World Championships. However, they competed at the 33rd Olympics. Trouble ensued following Khelif’s win over the Italian Angela Carini. A backlash erupted that reportedly raised questions related to her gender identity.

In contrast to the IBA’s decision, the IOC, which severed ties with the organization back in 2019, made its position about the boxer’s contention clear. Imane Khelif finally emerged as a winner, securing a gold medal for her country.

Boxing has been a part of the Olympics since 1904. Many view earning a medal or participation as the first step towards establishing a lasting boxing legacy. The sport is replete with examples of luminaries such as Muhammad Ali, George Foreman, Joe Frazier, Shakur Stevenson, and Claressa Shields, all of whom marked their presence at the global event before transitioning to professional careers. Hence, it is difficult to fathom an Olympics without boxing. The partnership should continue for as long as it matters.

What do you feel? Will Gennady Golovkin’s appointment at World Boxing make any difference for Olympic boxing?