Gennadiy Golovkin has suggested he may not be done with the sport after all, hinting at a possible comeback following the success of the inaugural World Boxing Championships in Liverpool. The 43-year-old, who last fought in 2022, attended the event in his role as Chair of the Olympic Commission, a position he has held since World Boxing took over from AIBA in 2023.
The governing body’s mission was to restore boxing’s place in the Olympic Games after the IOC withdrew its recognition under previous leadership. That goal was achieved earlier this year, with confirmation that Olympic-style boxing will feature at the 2028 Los Angeles Games. Golovkin was present in Liverpool as Kazakhstan celebrated a strong showing in the finals, a moment that stirred old emotions.
“It’s been so good, it’s very close, every fight has been very close,” Golovkin said. “I’m so excited. Everybody is happy. Not just me, but the whole team is happy. Boxing fans are happy because it is great to them.”
Golovkin, a former long-reigning middleweight champion, has not competed since his defeat to Saul “Canelo” Alvarez three years ago. While many assumed his fighting days were behind him, he admitted this week that his “knuckles were starting to itch.” Asked directly if he would consider a return, he replied: “Yes, why not? I feel my old emotions here.”
Pressed further, Golovkin kept the details close. “That’s my secret,” he said with a smile - leaving fans to wonder if one more fight might still be on the horizon for the Kazakh legend.
Image Credit: ESPN