Ryota Murata vs Steven Butler Preview
When: December 23, 2019
Where: Yokohama Arena, Yokohama, Japan
Network: ESPN+
Time: 8AM EST
Ryota Murata (15-2, 12 KOs) defends the WBA “Regular” Middleweight title against Steven Butler (28-1, 24 KOs), ranked 8th by the WBA at 160-pounds. Because this fight is happening in Japan, it’s a bit under the radar. However, that doesn’t mean it’s not without intrigue.
The champion is hoping to use this fight as a springboard to bigger and more lucrative fights in 2020, For the challenger, he is hoping to pull off what would be considered a sizable upset.
Ryota Murata
The 33-year-old resident of Tokyo is a well-schooled, technically sound fighter who can punch. At his best, he fights at a measured pace, establishing the jab then letting his attack flow from there. Tall for a middleweight at 6’ ½”, Murata is more comfortable pressuring his opponent then teeing off with a variety of punches to the head and body.
Because he is a guy who doesn’t possess great foot quickness or move his head a lot, his mode of defense is mainly fighting behind a high guard. Sporting solid power, Murata’s go-to power punches are the straight right-hand and left-hook to the body.
Keys To Victory: Murata
Set the pace early and don’t let the underdog build any confidence. Butler has been hurt and knocked down on multiple occasions and his sole defeat was by stoppage, so there are questions regarding his chin. Get the jab going and force Butler on the back foot. Keep the mental and physical pressure on him at all times.
Steven Butler
Be clear, this is a significant step up for the 24-year-old from Montreal, Quebec, Canada. However, he is a talented fighter with skills. Currently riding the wave of a 10-fight winning streak, Butler should have a level of confidence heading into the biggest fight of his career.
This is a fighter who is better on the front foot than on the move. Based on video observation, he carries power in both hands, be it to the head or the body. Butler’s favorite punch is the straight right-hand.
Keys To Victory: Butler
Don’t be overwhelmed by the moment. Get off to a good start and find a way to force Murata to fight on the back foot. Because Butler can punch, putting some hurt on his opponent to gain some respect is crucial. Doing that while somehow winning the battle of the jabs, watch out.
Prediction
Neither men like fighting on the back foot, so this may turn out to be a better fight than many experts think. Both fighters will be there to be hit.
Here’s the problem. Not only is this a huge step up in level of competition for Butler, but he is the man who has the weaker chin. Murata is the sturdier, physically stronger fighter.
In Murata’s only defeat (against Rob Brant in October 2018), he was overwhelmed by activity and work-rate. Butler is not the kind of fighter who swarms opponents with punches in bunches.
In the end, Murata’s power and experience when it comes to the level of opposition is the difference. Plus, I don’t fully trust Butler’s ability to take a punch nor his conditioning. Murata wears Butler down and stops him in 8 rounds.
By: Michael Wilson Jr.
