Guiyang, China, 17 June 2026 – World Boxing and Refract Technologies have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a framework for collaboration aimed at exploring the future development of Virtual Boxing and immersive sports technologies.
The MoU was signed during the World Boxing Cup in Guiyang, Guizhou Province, China, marking an important milestone in World Boxing’s efforts to embrace innovation and create new opportunities for the growth and accessibility of the sport.
The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by World Boxing President Gennadiy Golovkin and Mr. Chong Geng Ng, Executive Director of Refract Technologies. The signing ceremony was attended by Mr. Gerald Lee, COO of Refract Technologies, and Tom Dielen, Secretary General of World Boxing.
The collaboration builds-on discussions held between World Boxing and Refract Technologies regarding the development of Virtual Boxing and the application of immersive technologies within boxing.
The exploration of Virtual Boxing and emerging digital formats has been one of the strategic priorities outlined by Golovkin since his campaign for the presidency of World Boxing. The signing of this MoU represents an important step towards the gradual implementation of that vision and aligns with the wider Olympic Movement’s focus on innovation, digital engagement and ensuring sport remains relevant and accessible to future generations.
Under the MoU World Boxing and Refract Technologies will explore the co-development of a virtual reality boxing title designed to promote and grow the sport globally while assessing its potential as a future competitive discipline within the Olympic E-sports Games ecosystem. The collaboration will also include athlete testing and validation programmes, product development initiatives and joint promotional activities aimed at creating innovative experiences for athletes, fans and new audiences worldwide.
Refract Technologies is a leading developer of immersive technology solutions, including AXIS, an advanced full-body motion capture system that enables users to compete and interact in virtual environments with a high degree of realism and precision.
The President of World Boxing, Gennadiy Golovkin, said: “Boxing is one of the world’s greatest sports, but like all sports, it must continue to evolve. Virtual Boxing gives us an opportunity to connect with new audiences, engage younger generations and create new pathways into our sport.
“Through this collaboration with Refract Technologies, we can explore how innovation and technology can help make boxing more accessible, more engaging and more relevant for the future while staying true to the values that define our sport.”
Mr. Chong Geng Ng, Executive Director of Refract Technologies, added: “Refract is honoured to partner with World Boxing on a shared vision of bringing boxing to more people than ever before.
“Virtual Boxing offers something entirely its own; a game that calls for a different kind of thinking, a different strategy, and a different competitor. From kids sparring against their heroes for the first time, to retired champions finding a new arena — Virtual Boxing is for every stage of the boxing journey.
“Boxing belongs to everyone. This partnership with World Boxing is our commitment to making that real.”
The partnership reflects a shared commitment to innovation, athlete development and the exploration of new opportunities at the intersection of sport and technology. As the sporting world continues to embrace digital transformation and new forms of engagement, World Boxing and Refract Technologies will work together to explore how Virtual Boxing can contribute to the future growth, accessibility and global appeal of the sport by helping to build a community of boxers regardless of age, location and skill set.
The development of Virtual Boxing also has the potential to bring new people into the sport that can experience the physical and mental health benefits of boxing, whilst also providing an outlet for older, experienced or retired boxers to continue to participate in the sport and benefit from new experiences where they have to train a different mindset and develop new strategies.
Further details regarding joint initiatives and pilot projects will be announced in due course.