Murata targets Canelo and GGG

WBA “regular” middleweight champion Ryota Murata, one of Japan’s most revered sporting heroes, is ready to make his debut as a Las Vegas headliner. Murata (14-1, 11 KOs), a 2012 Olympic gold medalist, will defend his WBA title against Rob “Bravo” Brant (23-1, 16 KOs) on Saturday at MGM’s Park Theater. Murata-Brant will stream live in the United States on ESPN+.

“I am happy to be a headliner, but there is more to come,” said Murata. “I think there are bigger and better fights for me. This is just a start. I would like to fight Canelo Alvarez, but without the Mexican beef!”On a potential Gennady Golovkin fight, he stated, “It would be nice if it happens. It would be especially nice because it would be good for boxing. Yes, I think it would be a war. I think it would be a real exciting fight.”

Murata is a 5:1 favorite to retain his title.