Murata to fight Golovkin for unification title

By Lito delos Reyes

Ryota Murata of Japan will fight dangerous Gennadiy “GGG” Golovkin of Kazakhstan for a unification title match on April 9 at the Super Arena in Saitama, Japan.

Murata is the current World Boxing Association supermiddleweight champion while Golovkin holds the International Boxing Federation World middleweight title.

Murata retained the WBA Super middleweight title by a technical knockout in the 5th round over Steven Butler of Canada last December23, 2019 in Saitama.

Murata was able to take back the title by a TKO in the 2ndround over American Rob Brant last July 12, 2019 at the EDION Arena in Osaka.

It was earlier grabbed by Brant by a unanimous decision last October 20, 2018 in Las Vegas.
In May 20, 2017, Murata lost to Hassan N’Dam N’Jikam of France by a split decision for the vacant WBA World middleweight title at Ariake Colosseum.

But Murata came back to stop N’Jikam in the 7th round last October 22, 2018 to win back the title at Kokugikan.

Murata has 16 wins, two loses with 13 knockouts while Golovkin, who is now based in the US, has 41 wins, 1 loss, 1 draw and 36 knockouts.

Golovkin retired Kamil Szeremeta of Poland in the 7th round to retain his IBF and IBO world middleweight title last December 18, 2020 at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood.

photo: Ryota Murata