The upcoming 2028 Los Angeles Olympics might have to do without the sport of boxing unless a “recognized and reliable International Federation” steps in to assist the IOC [International Olympic Committee], replacing the IBA [International Boxing Association] which governed the sport until 2019.  At this, as the IOC awaits the arrival of a reliable International Federation, Gennady Golovkin, president of the NOC of the Republic of Kazakhstan, experiences a sense of responsibility.

Due to financial issues and the IBA’s failure to ensure the integrity of its officials and implement measures prescribed by the IOC’s GRG [Governance Reform Group], the IOC stripped the IBA of its status this year. According to IOC Sports Director Kit McConnell, it is now up to the National Federations to “create a body” that the IOC can partner with to preserve boxing at the Olympics. On this note, Kevin Iole wondered what ‘GGG’ was doing in his role to ensure boxing’s existence at the 2028 Olympics.

“I was appointed the president, just of the National Olympic Committee recently, maybe just two or three months [ago]. And I’m getting familiarized with the situation and what I learned so far is unacceptable in my opinion,” said Gennady Golovkin through a translator. So, what is ‘GGG’ going to do?

“[It is] unacceptable for the boxers, unacceptable for [the] National Olympic Committees of other countries,” declared Golovkin.

“And as a boxer, I will try to consult, I will try to help, assist, maybe influence to do everything to keep boxing in the Olympic program,” Golovkin, who became the president of Kazakhstan’s National Olympics Committee in February this year, added with conviction. In this context, Kevin Iole asked Gennady Golovkin whether rampant corruption in amateur boxing contributed to the IOC’s decision to walk away from the sport.

Gennady Golovkin has a suggestion to reduce corruption in boxing

Gennady Golovkin agreed with Kevin Iole and admitted that corruption existed in boxing. And while it bothered the Olympic silver medalist, Golovkin referred to a tournament held in Milan for a solution. “I recently attended the tournament in Milan. It was a licensing qualification tournament. I liked the way it was carried out,” said Gennady Golovkin. And what fascinated ‘GGG’ about the tournament in Milan?

“I saw a lot of innovations used to minimize the human factor. Such as artificial intelligence, score counting by computers, reviews. All these uses of new technology will make it cleaner. It helps to reduce corruption in the sport,” Golovkin concluded. With that said, what do you think of the IOC’s stance on boxing?

Meanwhile, do you see how we can use AI to preserve the sport? Let us know in the comments below. For more boxing updates, follow EssentiallySports!