Two-time middleweight unified champion Gennady Golovkin says he could be tempted back into the ring to fight again, even if his bid to become president of World Boxing is successful.
The 43-year-old, once ranked boxing's best pound-for-pound fighter, last fought in 2022, when he was beaten for the second time by Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez, but has never officially announced his retirement.
Earlier this year Golovkin announced his candidacy for the presidency of World Boxing, the governing body for the amateur version of the sport. The organisation was set up in 2023 after the International Boxing Association was suspended by the IOC over governance and ethics concerns.
"Most likely, if my candidacy is successful, then I will probably announce officially that I have finished with boxing and ended my career," the Kazakh fighter told BBC Sport.
"Although... there is always a possibility. Since I always keep in shape and lead an athletic lifestyle, the option of fighting again is not out of the question."
Golovkin has served as leader of World Boxing's Olympic commission since last year, and will compete against Greek administrator Mariolis Charilaos for the presidency position. The election will be held in Rome on 23 November.
Though confirmed for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, boxing's longer term future at the Games is uncertain, and Golovkin insists he is the man to safeguard its future.
"Boxing has always been an integral part of my life, and right now, the position Olympic boxing is in is unacceptable", said Golovkin, who won silver as an amateur at the 2004 Games in Athens.
"This is a very dangerous situation, and I feel a tremendous desire to help, because there is a real threat that it will not be included in the Olympics after LA28.
"I call on all boxing fans, everyone who cares about this sport, to support amateur boxing. Everything starts here."
