Fighters’ rights have come under scrutiny in the professional ranks recently because of a bill being put before US Congress which is backed by promoter TKO and UFC supremo Dana White.
Named the Muhammad Ali Revival Act, the bill would allow the creation of new boxing organisations which could serve as alternatives to the established sanctioning bodies, a proposal which has drawn significant criticism.
The original Ali Act, passed in 2000, aims to protect the rights, wellbeing and earning power of fighters, which some believe would be compromised if the new act becomes law.
“All this is being done in order to influence athletes and control them more,” Golovkin said. “The old Ali Act has always worked. It protected athletes. Everything was fine.”
One of the new boxing organisations that could be allowed to sanction fights is Zuffa Boxing, led by White and Saudi Arabian advisor Turki Alalshikh.
Saudi Arabia is playing an increasingly prominent role in boxing, hosting a series of major fights, buying a significant share in regular broadcaster DAZN, and taking control of world-renowned magazine The Ring.
But the country’s role in elite sport is highly controversial, owing to its long history of human rights abuses. Amnesty International has vehemently criticised the country’s treatment of women, use of the death penalty, and anti-LGBT laws.
Alalshikh has been accused of contributing to serious violations and is close to Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Golovkin says the country is prioritising global prestige over its own athletes.
“Saudi Arabia has built its place in history, in organising big boxing events,” Golovkin said. “For many boxers, what Saudi Arabia is doing is very interesting. I don’t know Alalshikh personally, but I see what he does from time to time, and I see the reaction.
“But for amateur boxing, it’s a slightly different story. This is where athletes truly represent their country, younger athletes go through a certain path. I would like to see representatives of Saudi Arabia also perform strongly at the Olympics.”
In recent years, matches featuring social media stars like Jake Paul have drawn huge audiences on streaming services, but some believe that the pivot towards internet celebrities has made a mockery of boxing and taken 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 tries to be involved in boxing to show that they are relevant, because boxing is always relevant. For them, this is business.
“On the contrary, we must strive to popularise our sport even more and make it as transparent and safe as possible. That is our goal.”
