Gennady Golovkin: “I can fight again and save Olympic boxing”

Fighters’ rights have come under scrutiny in the professional ranks recently due to a bill being introduced in the US Congress backed by TKO promoter and UFC president Dana White.

The bill, dubbed the “Muhammad Ali Revival Act,” would allow the creation of new boxing organizations that could serve as alternatives to existing sanctioning bodies, a proposal that has drawn significant criticism.

The original Ali Law, passed in 2000, was intended to protect fighters’ rights, well-being and livelihood, which some believed would be jeopardized if the new law became law.

“All this is done in order to influence the athletes and control them more,” Golovkin said. “The old Ali Code was always successful. It protected the athletes. Everything was fine.”

One of the new boxing organizations that could be allowed to sanction fights is Zuffa Boxing, led by White and Saudi advisor Turki Al-Sheikh.

Saudi Arabia is playing an increasingly prominent role in boxing, having hosted a series of major fights, buying a major stake in mainstream broadcaster DAZN, and taking control of world-famous The Ring magazine.

But the country’s role in elite sport is highly controversial, due to its long history of human rights abuses. Amnesty International has strongly criticized the country’s treatment of women, use of the death penalty, and anti-LGBT laws.

Alal Al-Sheikh is accused of contributing to serious violations and is close to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Golovkin says the country prioritizes global prestige over its athletes.

“Saudi Arabia has built its place in history by organizing major boxing events,” Golovkin said. “For many boxers, what Saudi Arabia is doing is very interesting. I don’t know Al-Sheikh personally, but I see what he does from time to time, and I see the reaction.

“But for amateur boxing, it’s a little different. This is where athletes really represent their country, where young athletes go through a certain path. I would like to see representatives of Saudi Arabia also perform strongly at the Olympic Games.”

In recent years, bouts featuring social media stars like Jake Paul have attracted huge audiences on streaming services, but some believe the focus on internet celebrities has made boxing a mockery and taken the focus away from hard-working up-and-coming athletes.

“It’s not that I would say influencer fights are wrong,” Golovkin said. “It’s just that everyone is trying to get involved in boxing to show their importance, because boxing is always relevant. For them, this is work.

“On the contrary, we must strive to make our sport more public and make it as transparent and safe as possible. This is our goal.”