Gennadiy Golovkin will assume the presidency of World Boxing as the organization prepares to oversee the Olympic tournaments at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
He originally prepared to face Greek official Harilaos Mariolis in the election, but the vetting process removed his rival from contention.
Golovkin said he learned that the other candidate had been ruled ineligible.
He praised the independent vetting panel for maintaining fairness and transparency in the election process.
He emphasized the importance of strong governance in Olympic sport.
Golovkin Steps Into a Critical Role
Golovkin entered the race as the leading contender, especially after he led a World Boxing delegation to re-establish links with the International Olympic Committee.
The IOC previously considered removing boxing from the 2028 Games before reinstating it in March.
Golovkin earned an Olympic silver medal in 2004 before building a long professional career.
He retired in 2022 with a 42-2-1 record after holding world titles for many years.
World Boxing did not explain why Mariolis lost eligibility.
Challenges Await the Incoming President
World Boxing formed in 2023 following a severe dispute between the IOC and the International Boxing Association.
The IOC organized the boxing events at the Tokyo and Paris Games after severing ties with the IBA.
The IOC expelled the IBA from the Olympic movement in 2023 over governance failures and concerns about bout judging.
The IBA continues to run independent competitions outside Olympic qualification pathways.
Golovkin’s new role requires him to restore credibility in amateur boxing.
He also faces a potential legal battle after Olympic champion Imane Khelif challenged a ruling requiring genetic sex testing.
Golovkin said trust underpins his mission and asked observers to view him through the lens of an athlete.
Mariolis said he would wait until after Sunday’s congress in Rome before commenting further.
