High Stakes Gennady Golovkin v Ryota Murata Bout in the Works for April 9
Boxing spectators and pundits have known that IBF champion Gennady “GGG” Golovkin (41-1-1, 36 KOs) and WBA champ Ryota Murata (16-2, 13 KOs) will fight each other in a middleweight unification contest. “When will the fight happen,” is the question on the minds of many. After months and months of speculation, it now appears we finally have an answer.
According to ESPN, the two will finally square off on April 9 at the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan. The two men were supposed to fight on December 28 at that same locale. It was scratched after Japanese government officials handed in new security measures and travel restrictions after growing concerns over the COVID-19 Omicron variant.
ONE LAST HURDLE
A lot is on the line for both men. A Golovkin win moves him closer towards a possible third fight with current undisputed super middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez. Fight fans are fully aware of the history and what is a bitter rivalry. In February 2021, the 39-year-old agreed to terms to fight with the Mexican superstar. Their two wars in September 2017 and September 2018 were nip and tuck. On the losing end of the second fight with Alvarez, “GGG” badly wants another shot at the sport’s biggest cash cow.
RISING TO EVEN GREATER HEIGHTS
To claim that prize, Golovkin must get past Murata in his backyard. It’s the biggest fight in Japan in decades. The most popular fighter in his home country, one must think the pressure must be immense for the 36-year-old. Most have him as a decided underdog. But a win over Golovkin would elevate the 2012 Olympic gold medalist from superstar to an icon and living legend in his homeland.
OVERCOMING TIME AWAY
On paper, “GGG” is the more powerful hitter while Murata throws more punches. A key question could be, which fighter is able to get over possible ring rust? Golovkin has not fought since December of 2020 when he defended the IBF belt with a seventh-round stoppage. Murata has been out of action since December 2019 when he TKO’d Steven Butler in five. This is a fight full of questions and intrigue. Stay tuned to 3Kings Boxing for further updates.
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By: Michael Wilson Jr.
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