Tag: Ryota Murata

Gennadiy Golovkin, Ryota Murata agree to fight on Dec. 29 in Japan

Gennadiy Golovkin and Ryota Murata have agreed to fight on Dec. 29 in Japan.

Triple-G is returning to the ring.

Gennadiy Golovkin will face Ryota Murata in a middleweight title-unification fight Wednesday, Dec. 29 in Saitama, Japan, it was announced Thursday. The fight will be streamed on DAZN.

Golovkin (41-1-1, 36 KOs) began his second reign as a 160-pound champion when he outpointed Sergiy Derevyanchenko to win the vacant IBF title in October 2019 and stopped Kamil Szeremeta in seven rounds in defense of his belt last December.

Murata (16-2, 13 KOs) regained the WBA title by stopping Rob Brant in two rounds in July 2019, nine months after Brant outpointed him to take his belt.

“I am really excited to be bringing the Big Drama Show to Japan, a country where boxing is very popular,” Golovkin said.  “Ryota Murata has been an outstanding champion.  It is going to be a special night when we meet in the ring to unify our titles.  We are going to give the fans a great fight.”

Murata, a 2012 Olympic gold medlist, understands the significance of fighting Golovkin, one of the most-dominating middleweights in many years.

The Kazakhstani, one of the biggest punchers of his generation, reigned as champion for almost the entire 2010s. And many feel that he deserved to win decisions in his two fights with Canelo Alvarez, against whom he’s 0-1-1.

“I feel that my entire amateur and professional boxing career has been a preparation for this fight against Gennadiy Golovkin,” he said through a translator. “This fight will determine my place in the middleweight division and boxing history.

“Gennadiy Golovkin has long been the standard-bearer of the middleweight division.  To me, he is still undefeated. I have the highest respect for him.”

Golovkin will have been out of the ring for almost exactly a year. For Murata it will be two years.

“It has been almost two years since my last fight, because of the pandemic, but I have put that time to good use, working very hard with my trainers on improving my physical conditioning and adding more power to my punches,” he said.

“I am so proud Japan is hosting this fight. It is a great honor for me.”

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Gennadiy Golovkin, Ryota Murata agree to fight on Dec. 29 in Japan

Gennadiy Golovkin and Ryota Murata have agreed to fight on Dec. 29 in Japan.

Triple-G is returning to the ring.

Gennadiy Golovkin will face Ryota Murata in a middleweight title-unification fight Wednesday, Dec. 29 in Saitama, Japan, it was announced Thursday. The fight will be streamed on DAZN.

Golovkin (41-1-1, 36 KOs) began his second reign as a 160-pound champion when he outpointed Sergiy Derevyanchenko to win the vacant IBF title in October 2019 and stopped Kamil Szeremeta in seven rounds in defense of his belt last December.

Murata (16-2, 13 KOs) regained the WBA title by stopping Rob Brant in two rounds in July 2019, nine months after Brant outpointed him to take his belt.

“I am really excited to be bringing the Big Drama Show to Japan, a country where boxing is very popular,” Golovkin said.  “Ryota Murata has been an outstanding champion.  It is going to be a special night when we meet in the ring to unify our titles.  We are going to give the fans a great fight.”

Murata, a 2012 Olympic gold medlist, understands the significance of fighting Golovkin, one of the most-dominating middleweights in many years.

The Kazakhstani, one of the biggest punchers of his generation, reigned as champion for almost the entire 2010s. And many feel that he deserved to win decisions in his two fights with Canelo Alvarez, against whom he’s 0-1-1.

“I feel that my entire amateur and professional boxing career has been a preparation for this fight against Gennadiy Golovkin,” he said through a translator. “This fight will determine my place in the middleweight division and boxing history.

“Gennadiy Golovkin has long been the standard-bearer of the middleweight division.  To me, he is still undefeated. I have the highest respect for him.”

Golovkin will have been out of the ring for almost exactly a year. For Murata it will be two years.

“It has been almost two years since my last fight, because of the pandemic, but I have put that time to good use, working very hard with my trainers on improving my physical conditioning and adding more power to my punches,” he said.

“I am so proud Japan is hosting this fight. It is a great honor for me.”

[lawrence-related id=16998,16560]

Video: Eddie Hearn pitches plan to unify middleweight titles

Video: Eddie Hearn pitches plan to unify middleweight titles.

Promoter Eddie Hearn said boxing is being threatened by successful events featuring social media stars like Jake Paul and other celebrities.

The appropriate way to respond, he said, is to put together the legitimate fights the fans want to see.

With that in mind, he laid out a plan to unify the middleweight titles that hardcore boxing afficionados would embrace wholeheartedly.

Hearn made his pitch in this episode of The DAZN Boxing Show, which is hosted by commentators Akin Reyes and Barak Bess. Here’s what Hearn had to say.

[jwplayer OhRzRksf]

 

Video: Eddie Hearn pitches plan to unify middleweight titles

Video: Eddie Hearn pitches plan to unify middleweight titles.

Promoter Eddie Hearn said boxing is being threatened by successful events featuring social media stars like Jake Paul and other celebrities.

The appropriate way to respond, he said, is to put together the legitimate fights the fans want to see.

With that in mind, he laid out a plan to unify the middleweight titles that hardcore boxing afficionados would embrace wholeheartedly.

Hearn made his pitch in this episode of The DAZN Boxing Show, which is hosted by commentators Akin Reyes and Barak Bess. Here’s what Hearn had to say.

[jwplayer OhRzRksf]

 

Canelo Alvarez vs. Gennadiy Golovkin III in September? Could happen

DAZN’s John Skippper met with Canelo Alvarez to discuss a three-fight plan that includes Gennadiy Golovkin in September.

A third fight between Canelo Alvarez and Gennadiy Golovkin could happen yet.

DAZN Executive Chairman John Skippper met with Alvarez to discuss a three-fight plan as part of the Mexican star’s 11-fight deal with the streaming service, according to a report on BoxingScene.com.

Alvarez would face, in order: Billy Joe Saunders, on May 2 in Las Vegas; Golovkin, on September 12 most likely in Las Vegas or Texas; and possibly Ryota Murata as early as December in Japan.

Golovkin likes the idea of fighting Alvarez in the fall, according to the report.

Alvarez and Golovkin fought to a controversial split-decision draw in September 2017. Most observers thought Triple-G had done enough to win. And Alvarez defeated Golovkin by a majority decision a year later.

Alvarez has said his business with Golovkin is finished but, obviously, Skipper is hoping he’ll reconsider.

Canelo Alvarez: Potential foes are asking for too much money

Canelo Alvarez is frustrated that potential opponents for his May 2 date are asking for too much money.

Canelo Alvarez is frustrated.

The Mexican superstar is still without an opponent for his annual May fight date and, to him, the reason is obvious.

“Because they want a lot of money,” he told ESPN Deportes. “When they go to fight with Canelo they want the moon and the stars. That is the complication.

“But there are many opponents, and there has to be one out there. I’m ready for anyone.”

Alvarez reportedly is close to a deal to fight super middleweight titleholder Billy Joe Saunders of England on May 2 but we’re heard that refrain before.

Golden Boy Promotions, Alvarez’s promoter, reportedly has made offers — or at least put out feelers — to Saunders, Callum Smith, Caleb Plant, Ryota Murata and who knows who else.

None have been willing to accept the amount of money being offered. Hence Alvarez’s frustration.

Murata, the Japanese middleweight contender, also reportedly was close to a deal but talks eventually cratered. It’s not clear what the reason was. Nevertheless, Alvarez, 29, is set on fighting in the Land of the Rising Sun.

“I want to end the year by fighting in Japan if God is willing. That is the idea,” Canelo said, according to BoxingScene.com.

Murata, a gold medalist at the 2012 London Olympics, was an undefeated professional until he was upset by Rob Brandt in 2018. He avenged the loss the following year with an early knockout. At 34, Murata has yet to face an elite opponent.

An Alvarez-Murata fight is thought to be attractive to streaming app DAZN, which has exclusive rights to Alvarez and maintains a relationship with Murata.

Alvarez also reiterated his desire to some day fight in his homeland of Mexico, which he has not done since 2011.

“Maybe not this year, but the next [year I will fight in Mexico].” Alvarez said. “There are possibilities to return to Mexico. I am delighted to come to Mexico. It can be anywhere in Mexico.”

Canelo Alvarez more and more likely to face Smith or Saunders

A fight between Canelo Alvarez and Ryota Murata now seems unlikely, which could open the door for either Callum Smith or Billy Joe Saunders.

It looks as if Canelo Alvarez is taking the first steps in finding an opponent other than Ryota Murata for a fight in early May.

Eddie Hearn, of Matchroom Boxing, says Alvarez’s management has had minor discussions about Callum Smith and Billy Joe Saunders. It’s a further sign that talks for an Alvarez-Murata fight in Japan on May 2, the Saturday before Cinco de Mayo, have fallen apart.

“It’s really going to come down to who Canelo Alvarez chooses,’’ Hearn told iFL TV. “There’s been minor conversations about both fighters, and they’re both aware of that.

“I think, there’s a long way to go to making a deal. But I do believe: Who else are they going to choose?’’

Both Smith and Saunders hold super middleweight titles. Alvarez, still the reigning middleweight champion, would defend his 160-pound belts against Murata. But there’s speculation that Canelo would struggle to get back down to 160 after fighting at 175 pounds in a 10th-round stoppage of Sergey Kovalev on Nov. 2 in Las Vegas. Canelo relinquished the light heavyweight belt he took from Kovalev.

Canelo presumably could get down to 168 than 160. From Hearns’ perspective, that means either Smith or Saunders. Also, a deal with either would be easy to do. Both Smith and Saunders are tied to DAZN, which signed Canelo to a $365-million contract in October 2018.  However, Canelo promoter Oscar De La Hoya has said there’s no interest in Saunders.

“Ultimately, as I’ve said, Canelo is the boss and Canelo will choose,’’ Hearn said. “But Billy and Callum are desperate for this fight.’’

Callum Smith still hoping to win Canelo Alvarez lottery

Callum Smith, a super middleweight champion, is trying keep himself in line for the big money that comes with a shot at Canelo Alvarez.

The campaign to be Canelo Alvarez’s next opponent continues.

Callum Smith, a super middleweight champion, is trying keep himself in line for the big money that comes with a shot at Alvarez in a fight projected to happen on Cinco De Mayo weekend in early May.

“I think everyone is just waiting to see who he picks,’’ Smith told Soccer AM, a Sky Sports’ talk show.

The waiting game continues amid uncertainty about talks for Alvarez to fight Ryota Murata in Japan. Negotiations are going nowhere, according to a report by ESPN, which cited an unnamed source.

Alvarez, still a reigning middleweight titleholder, is expected to go back down in weight after he relinquished the light heavyweight belt he took from Sergey Kovalev by a 10th-round stoppage in his last bout Nov. 2 in Las Vegas.

Murata fights at 160 pounds. Smith is at 168. Billy Joe Saunders, who holds another 168-pound belt, is also believed to be a possible Alvarez opponent.

“If it is me, I would be happy,’’ Smith said. “If not, I’m in a good division. There’s a lot of big fights out there for me, outside Canelo Alvarez, so I’m in a good position. It’s just sitting and waiting and hopefully we can get one of the big names sorted.

“Styles make fights. I think I’m a bit of a bad fight for him. I’m 6-foot-3. I’m a lot bigger than him. I can punch. Style-wise, I’m not ideal to fight, but I’m not taking anything away from Canelo Alvarez. He’s a special fighter and he’s one of the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world for a reason.

“I wouldn’t say he’s avoided me. I just think there’s a big list of opponents who want to fight him. So he’s got the choice of many, and he picks who he wants to fight. Whoever gets the job, takes it.”

Demetrius Andrade battling Luke Keeler AND Super Bowl LIV

Demetrius Andrade’s title defense against Luke Keeler on Thursday is likely to get lost in the hoopla surrounding the Super Bowl.

Demetrius Andrade, unbeaten and unappreciated, is in Miami this week for a bout Thursday on DAZN that promoters hope will get some attention from the media mob gathered for Super Bowl LIV.

It doesn’t always work that way. Don King staged a card in Phoenix in 1996, a couple of days before the Dallas Cowboys’ 27-17 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl XXX at Sun Devil Stadium in nearby Tempe.

It was a good card, noteworthy for Bernard Hopkins’ stoppage of Steve Frank in the second defense of a middleweight title he would go on to defend 18 more times for a record 20 straight. But nobody was there. The Super Bowl does more than attract attention. It dominates in a way that shoves everything else off stage.

Andrade (28-0, 17 KOs) makes a third middleweight title defense against Luke Keeler (17-2-1, 5 KOs) of Ireland at the Meridian at Island Gardens. But it might be out of sight. Out of mind. Media are waiting only for the San Francisco 49ers-Kansas City Chiefs kickoff.

One day, maybe the bout will be remembered as significant. Andrade, who signed a four-fight extension with Matchroom this week, hopes so. He goes into the bout fighting to get some respect from the acknowledged middleweight champions.

Canelo Alvarez has called him boring. Instead of Andrade, Canelo reportedly is talking about Cinco de Mayo in Japan against Ryota Murata, who holds a secondary belt.

“That’s his business, not mine’’ Andrade told Boxing Social at a news conference Monday in Miami. “Canelo wants to do what he does. Everyone knows he’s been trying to figure out obstacles, other ways, to get away from me. It’s all good.”

The immediate business is Keeler, who has called Andrade “delusional.” The former U.S. Olympian from Rhode Island, Keller says, is overlooking him.

“Delusional?’’ said Andrade, who won his middleweight belt in October 2018. “That’s a good one. I’ll give Luke credit where it’s due. It’s hard to get people in the ring with me, and it’s his first world title fight. I’m expecting him to bring his A-game.

“I’m bringing mine too, as I know what it’s like. I’ve been to the Olympics and to me there’s no bigger platform, but this is a massive stage.’’

Big enough for Andrade to deliver a threatening promise.

Said Andrade: “I’m going to give him the beating of his life.’’

Canelo Alvarez vs. Ryota Murata in Japan? They’re talking

Canelo Alvarez and Ryota Murata are negotiating to fight this spring, multiple outlets have reported.

Canelo Alvarez and Ryota Murata are negotiating to fight this spring, multiple outlets have reported.

Alvarez, who still holds two middleweight titles, told Sports Illustrated recently that he’s interested in fighting in Japan. Murata, a resident of Tokyo, is very popular in his home country.

“I’ve been thinking about fighting all over the world,” Alvarez told SI.com. “Tokyo, Japan, has been one of the primary places on my mind.”

SI reported that Alvarez has not committed to fighting Murata next. He reportedly is still considering 168-pound titleholders Callum Smith and Billy Joe Saunders.

Alvarez (53-1-2, 36 KOs) has not announced the weight at which his next fight will take place. He’s coming off a knockout victory over Sergey Kovalev in November but gave up the title, a clear indication that he doesn’t want to fight at 175 pounds.

The prevailing wisdom is that Alvarez will fight at super middleweight, meaning his matchup with Murata (16-2, 13 KOs) could take place at 168 pounds or perhaps at a catch weight between 160 and 168.

Murata is best known for winning a gold medal in the 2012 Olympics. The 34-year-old has won two in a row since he lost a wide decision to Rob Brant in October 2018.