“Gennady Golovkin from Kazakhstan became the head of the organization”, — write: sport.ua
The 42-year-old Kazakh was the only candidate on the final ballot and was unanimously approved. Other applicants who applied in October did not pass the independent background check of all candidates.
59 national federations participated in the voting (face-to-face and online). Golovkin will begin a three-year term and will replace Dutchman Boris van der Vorst, who did not run for re-election after his term ended.
Gennady Golovkin: “It is a great honor for me to be elected president of World Boxing. But this is only the beginning. From today, athletes will be at the center of everything we do. Leading up to Los Angeles 2028, we will restore confidence in Olympic boxing to ensure its presence in Brisbane 2032 and beyond. Time to move forward as one united boxing family.”
The Congress also elected a vice president and two members of the Executive Council. Canadian Ryan O’Shea won a second term with 57% of the vote in a fight against Thai Chaiwat Chotima. The executive committee included German Michael Muller and Japanese Tatsuya Nakama.
The World Boxing Federation was created in 2023 to ensure the presence of boxing in the Olympic program. In 2024, the organization held its first official meeting with the IOC, and in February 2025 received preliminary international recognition as the world governing body for boxing.
43-year-old Gennady Golovkin is considered the best boxer in the history of Kazakhstan. The 2004 Athens silver medalist, a two-time professional world champion, finished his career with a 42–2–1 record. From 2024, he heads the National Olympic Committee of Kazakhstan.
Composition of the World Boxing Presidium
- President – Gennadiy Golovkin (KAZ)
- Vice President – Ryan O’Shea (CAN)
- Vice President – Matt Holt (GBR)
- Vice President – Dinah Glykidis (AUS)
- Executive Board – Michael Muller (GER)
- Executive Board – Victorico Vargas (PHI)
- Executive Board – Tatsuya Nakama (JPN)
- Executive Board – Marcos Candido de Brito (BRA)
- Athlete Representative (Chair) – Caitlin Parker (AUS)
- Athlete Representative (Vice Chair) – Richard Torrez Jr (USA)
- President, Asian Boxing – Pichai Chunhavajira (THA)
- President, European Boxing – Lars Brovil (DEN)
- President, Oceania Boxing – Beulah Daunakamakama (FJI)
- President, Panamerican Boxing – Elise Seignolle (USA)
- Chair Sport and Competition Committee – Hernan Salvo (ARG)
- Chair Medical and Anti-Doping Committee – Dr. Armando Sanchez (USA)
- Chair Finance and Audit Committee – Julia Felton (AUS)
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