Odds: Golovkin 5-1 favorite (average of multiple outlets)
Also on the card: Shuichiro Yoshino vs. Masayuki Ito, lightweights; Junto Nakatani vs. Ryota Yamauchi, flyweights (for Nakatani’s WBO title)
Prediction: Golovkin KO 8
Background: Golovkin turns 40 on the day before he meets Murata but remains a major player in the sport. The showdown on Murata’s home turf will unify two of the four major middleweight titles. And if Triple-G wins, as he’s expected to do, a third bout with rival Canelo Alvarez could come on September 17. Golovkin began this, his second reign as a 160-pound champion by outpointing Sergey Derevyanchenko for the vacant title in October 2019 and successfully defended it by stopping Kamil Szeremeta in December 2020, his most-recent fight. Alvarez is scheduled to challenge light heavyweight titleholder Dmitry Bivol on May 7. The outcome of that fight might not have a bearing on whether the Mexican star faces Golovkin next. Triple-G and Alvarez fought to a disputed draw in their first fight (2017) and Alvarez won a close decision in the rematch (2018). Of course, if Murata wins on Saturday, he would join the long list of potential opponents for Alvarez. The 2012 Olympic gold medalist was elevated to WBA “super” champion after Alvarez vacated the title. He last fought in December 2019, when he stopped Steven Butler in five rounds. He will have been out of the ring for more than two years.
Gennadiy Golovkin is a significant favorite to defeat Ryota Murata in their middleweight title-unification bout Saturday in Saitama, Japan, Murata’s home country. That doesn’t meant there aren’t question marks going into the fight. One centers on …
Gennadiy Golovkin is a significant favorite to defeat Ryota Murata in their middleweight title-unification bout Saturday in Saitama, Japan, Murata’s home country.
That doesn’t meant there aren’t question marks going into the fight.
One centers on Golovkin’s advancing years. He’ll be 40 when the opening bell rings. And there are other topics for discussion going into Triple-G’s biggest fight in years.
Here are five questions:
Will Golovkin act his age?
Triple-G (41-1-1, 36 KOs) turns the big 4-0 on Friday, the day before the fight with Murata. Will he perform like the Golovkin who ran roughshod over the middleweight division in the 2010s? He struggled to outpoint capable Sergey Derevyanchenkko in October 2019, which raised questions about how much he has left. However, he bounced back to stop less-capable Kamil Szeremeta in seven rounds in December 2020, looking a lot like the Triple-G of old. He will have been out of the ring for 16 months when he faces Murata. That’s a long layoff for anyone. Perhaps the rest will have done him some good. Or maybe we’ll see rust. Bottom line: We’re going to learn a lot about Golovkin’s post-40 ability on Saturday.
Can Golovkin still punch?
Absolutely. Ask Szeremeta, who went down four times before he was finally stopped. I know it’s a cliché but it’s true: The last thing a big puncher loses is his power. And few have been more powerful than Golovkin in modern history. He stopped 23 consecutive opponents between 2008 and 2017. And the only fighters to take him the distance since the streak ended were three of the better boxers in the business, Daniel Jacobs, Alvarez (twice) and Derevyanchenko. No one should be surprised if Golovkin’s ability to hurt opponents is on full display on Saturday, although Murata certainly has been resilient in his career.
How good is Murata?
Pretty good. The 36-year-old from Tokyo burst upon the boxing scene by winning the middleweight gold medal at the 2012 Olympics. He’s had mixed results at an elite level, although he has shined in rematches. He lost a split decision to Hassan N’Dam in 2017 but stopped the Frenchman in seven rounds five months later to win a secondary WBA title. He lost his belt by a wide decision to Rob Brant in 2018 only to take Brant out in two rounds later that year. The WBA promoted him to “super” champion early last year. Murata is a well-schooled boxer with good power – his last eight victories have come by KO – but this is a significant step up in opposition. He’ll have to demonstrate that he truly belongs among the best 160-pounders.
Will fighting at home be an advantage for Murata?
Not to a significant degree if the judges are on the up-and-up. Murata (16-2, 13 KOs) will have the comfort factor of fighting at home and the support of the crowd, which doesn’t hurt. However, Golovkin has been fighting away from home for almost 30 years, first as an amateur and then as a professional. Triple-G fought mostly in Germany early in his career and then moved his base to the U.S., where he developed a considerable following. He has fought in his native Kazakhstan only once – a KO of Nilson Tapia in 2010 – in his professional career. He last fought outside the U.S. in 2016, when he traveled to the U.K. to face Kell Brook. Things went well there: He stopped Brook in five rounds, breaking his orbital bone in the process.
Could Golovkin be looking past Murata?
Doubtful. Triple-G appears to be near a deal to fight Canelo Alvarez a third time in September if things go well on Saturday and Alvarez beats Dmitry Bivol in May, although the fight could still take place even if Alvarez loses. That’s a big deal for Golovkin, who wants one more crack at the Mexican star after a disputed draw and decision loss. That’s why he won’t look past Murata. He knows the last big opportunity will likely disappear if he doesn’t have his hand raised in Japan. And, of course, he’d love to look particularly good against Murata to build momentum toward the ultimate showdown with his arch rival.
Gennadiy Golovkin is a significant favorite to defeat Ryota Murata in their middleweight title-unification bout Saturday in Saitama, Japan, Murata’s home country. That doesn’t meant there aren’t question marks going into the fight. One centers on …
Gennadiy Golovkin is a significant favorite to defeat Ryota Murata in their middleweight title-unification bout Saturday in Saitama, Japan, Murata’s home country.
That doesn’t meant there aren’t question marks going into the fight.
One centers on Golovkin’s advancing years. He’ll be 40 when the opening bell rings. And there are other topics for discussion going into Triple-G’s biggest fight in years.
Here are five questions:
Will Golovkin act his age?
Triple-G (41-1-1, 36 KOs) turns the big 4-0 on Friday, the day before the fight with Murata. Will he perform like the Golovkin who ran roughshod over the middleweight division in the 2010s? He struggled to outpoint capable Sergey Derevyanchenkko in October 2019, which raised questions about how much he has left. However, he bounced back to stop less-capable Kamil Szeremeta in seven rounds in December 2020, looking a lot like the Triple-G of old. He will have been out of the ring for 16 months when he faces Murata. That’s a long layoff for anyone. Perhaps the rest will have done him some good. Or maybe we’ll see rust. Bottom line: We’re going to learn a lot about Golovkin’s post-40 ability on Saturday.
Can Golovkin still punch?
Absolutely. Ask Szeremeta, who went down four times before he was finally stopped. I know it’s a cliché but it’s true: The last thing a big puncher loses is his power. And few have been more powerful than Golovkin in modern history. He stopped 23 consecutive opponents between 2008 and 2017. And the only fighters to take him the distance since the streak ended were three of the better boxers in the business, Daniel Jacobs, Alvarez (twice) and Derevyanchenko. No one should be surprised if Golovkin’s ability to hurt opponents is on full display on Saturday, although Murata certainly has been resilient in his career.
How good is Murata?
Pretty good. The 36-year-old from Tokyo burst upon the boxing scene by winning the middleweight gold medal at the 2012 Olympics. He’s had mixed results at an elite level, although he has shined in rematches. He lost a split decision to Hassan N’Dam in 2017 but stopped the Frenchman in seven rounds five months later to win a secondary WBA title. He lost his belt by a wide decision to Rob Brant in 2018 only to take Brant out in two rounds later that year. The WBA promoted him to “super” champion early last year. Murata is a well-schooled boxer with good power – his last eight victories have come by KO – but this is a significant step up in opposition. He’ll have to demonstrate that he truly belongs among the best 160-pounders.
Will fighting at home be an advantage for Murata?
Not to a significant degree if the judges are on the up-and-up. Murata (16-2, 13 KOs) will have the comfort factor of fighting at home and the support of the crowd, which doesn’t hurt. However, Golovkin has been fighting away from home for almost 30 years, first as an amateur and then as a professional. Triple-G fought mostly in Germany early in his career and then moved his base to the U.S., where he developed a considerable following. He has fought in his native Kazakhstan only once – a KO of Nilson Tapia in 2010 – in his professional career. He last fought outside the U.S. in 2016, when he traveled to the U.K. to face Kell Brook. Things went well there: He stopped Brook in five rounds, breaking his orbital bone in the process.
Could Golovkin be looking past Murata?
Doubtful. Triple-G appears to be near a deal to fight Canelo Alvarez a third time in September if things go well on Saturday and Alvarez beats Dmitry Bivol in May, although the fight could still take place even if Alvarez loses. That’s a big deal for Golovkin, who wants one more crack at the Mexican star after a disputed draw and decision loss. That’s why he won’t look past Murata. He knows the last big opportunity will likely disappear if he doesn’t have his hand raised in Japan. And, of course, he’d love to look particularly good against Murata to build momentum toward the ultimate showdown with his arch rival.
Gennadiy Golovkin said he carries no resentment from his two fights with Canelo Alvarez.
Editor’s note: This article was originally published at DAZN.com.
Gennadiy Golovkin is looking ahead to a possible third fight with Canelo Alvarez as if their first two meetings didn’t happen.
In 2017, the Kazakhstani fighter produced arguably the finest performance of his illustrious career, but his efforts were thwarted by the ringside judges who scored the fight a draw even though many believe Triple-G had done enough.
The following year, Alvarez made adjustments and produced a better performance in the rematch. Some observers still scored for Golovkin, but the scores that matter most favored the Mexican.
Gennadiy Golovkin (right) evidently has put his disputed draw and loss to Canelo Alvarez behind him. Joe Camporeale / USA TODAY Sports
On April 9, Golovkin will travel to Japan as he looks to unify two middleweight titles against Ryota Murata. One month later, Alvarez jumps up to 175 pounds for a second time to face titleholder Dmitry Bivol.
If both Golovkin and Alvarez emerge victorious, their third encounter could take place in September. Golovkin, speaking exclusively to DAZN during preparations for the Murata fight, insists it’s a clean slate when it comes to the pound-for-pound king.
“I don’t feel bothered by the results in the first two fights,” he said. “I don’t experience any pressure at all. I look ahead because whatever happened, happened. I honestly can’t look at things that way.
“If I’m going to approach the third fight with Canelo, it’ll certainly be with different thoughts and not with the idea of righting any wrongs. I’m not in boxing to prove anything to anybody.
“There’s no need for me to have a particular win. I continue my career because I feel great.”
Gennadiy Golovkin said he carries no resentment from his two fights with Canelo Alvarez.
Editor’s note: This article was originally published at DAZN.com.
Gennadiy Golovkin is looking ahead to a possible third fight with Canelo Alvarez as if their first two meetings didn’t happen.
In 2017, the Kazakhstani fighter produced arguably the finest performance of his illustrious career, but his efforts were thwarted by the ringside judges who scored the fight a draw even though many believe Triple-G had done enough.
The following year, Alvarez made adjustments and produced a better performance in the rematch. Some observers still scored for Golovkin, but the scores that matter most favored the Mexican.
Gennadiy Golovkin (right) evidently has put his disputed draw and loss to Canelo Alvarez behind him. Joe Camporeale / USA TODAY Sports
On April 9, Golovkin will travel to Japan as he looks to unify two middleweight titles against Ryota Murata. One month later, Alvarez jumps up to 175 pounds for a second time to face titleholder Dmitry Bivol.
If both Golovkin and Alvarez emerge victorious, their third encounter could take place in September. Golovkin, speaking exclusively to DAZN during preparations for the Murata fight, insists it’s a clean slate when it comes to the pound-for-pound king.
“I don’t feel bothered by the results in the first two fights,” he said. “I don’t experience any pressure at all. I look ahead because whatever happened, happened. I honestly can’t look at things that way.
“If I’m going to approach the third fight with Canelo, it’ll certainly be with different thoughts and not with the idea of righting any wrongs. I’m not in boxing to prove anything to anybody.
“There’s no need for me to have a particular win. I continue my career because I feel great.”
Who is the biggest threat to Canelo Alvarez? Bivol? Charlo? Golovkin?
Canelo Alvarez might be zeroing in on an opponent for May 7.
The undisputed 168-pound champion has fielded offers to fight 160-pound titleholder Jermall Charlo (from Premier Boxing Champions) and 175-pound beltholder Dmitry Bivol, with a second fight against another middleweight champ, Gennadiy Golovkin, in September (DAZN), ESPN is reporting.
All of those matchups are better than cruiserweight Ilunga Makabu, who Canelo reportedly had been targeting.
But who among the three potential foes has the best chance of beating the Mexican star, whose only loss came against Hall of Famer Floyd Mayweather in 2013?
In this feature, Boxing Junkie ranks the three prospective opponents in order of how big of a threat they pose to one of the sport’s top fighters pound for pound.
DMITRY BIVOL (19-0, 11 KOs)
Dmitry Bivol (right) would have a size advantage over Canelo Alvarez. Mark Robinson / Matchroom Boxing
Chances of beating Alvarez: 45% Background: Bivol’s obvious advantage is his size; Alvarez would be moving up to 175 pounds for the fight, as he did when he stopped Sergey Kovalev in the 11th round to win a title in 2019. That’s not all the Russian brings to the table, though. He’s an excellent boxer who is difficult to hit cleanly, which has proven repeatedly against quality opposition. He defeated Sullivan Barrera, Isaac Chilemba, Jean Pascal and Joe Smith Jr. in succession in 2018 and 2019 to establish himself as one of the best fighters worldwide. He hasn’t faced that level of opposition in his three most recent fights but he has remained undefeated. What about his power? He isn’t a big puncher but his hands are heavy enough to keep the smaller Alvarez honest. And, unlike Kovalev at the time he fought Alvarez, Bivol is in his prime at 31 years old. Bottom line: Bivol would be the biggest threat to Alvarez since Daniel Jacobs in May 2019.
JERMALL CHARLO (32-0, 22 KOs)
Jermall Charlo’s jab could frustrate Alvarez. Carmen Mandato / Getty Images
Chances of beating Alvarez: 40% Background: Charlo would have to move up in weight to face Alvarez, which would be a disadvantage on paper. However, the bigger of the Charlo twins brings formidable weapons into the ring. Jermell is more dynamic and punches harder than Jermall pound-for-pound but Jermall is the better, steadier boxer. He has one of the best jabs in boxing, which set up the power punches necessary to win rounds and could knock Alvarez off his game. And don’t underestimate his ability to hurt opponents. He isn’t a knockout artist but he doesn’t play Patty Cake, either. No one – not even Alvarez – would be able to walk through his heavy punches. Plus, he also has an excellent chin, which could come in handy against an opponent who is a big puncher. Charlo might have the all-around ability and toughness to give Alvarez more trouble than some experts might believe.
GENNADIY GOLOVKIN (41-1-1, 36 KOs)
Could Gennadiy Golovkin (right) give Alvarez problems at 40? Cliff Hawkins / Getty Images
Chances of beating Alvarez: 35% Backgrond: Consensus is that it’s too late for Golovkin, who turns 40 on April 8. We’re not so sure. He hasn’t looked in recent fights like the fighter who gave Alvarez hell two times and recorded 23 consecutive knockouts from 2008 to 2016, which might be attributable to wear, tear and age. At the same time, I wonder how motivated Triple-G was against Steve Rolls, Sergiy Derevyanchenko and Kamil Szeremeta. You can bet he’d be at his best – whatever that is at this point – if he were to face his arch rival one more time. Golovkin drew with Alvarez in a fight most observers thought he deserved to win and then lost a close, majority decision to him a year later. The Kazakhstani obviously had the ability and style to push Alvarez to his limits. The question now is whether he has retained enough of that ability at 40 to push him one more time. I believe the fight would be more competitive than some might think.
Who is the biggest threat to Canelo Alvarez? Bivol? Charlo? Golovkin?
Canelo Alvarez might be zeroing in on an opponent for May 7.
The undisputed 168-pound champion has fielded offers to fight 160-pound titleholder Jermall Charlo (from Premier Boxing Champions) and 175-pound beltholder Dmitry Bivol, with a second fight against another middleweight champ, Gennadiy Golovkin, in September (DAZN), ESPN is reporting.
All of those matchups are better than cruiserweight Ilunga Makabu, who Canelo reportedly had been targeting.
But who among the three potential foes has the best chance of beating the Mexican star, whose only loss came against Hall of Famer Floyd Mayweather in 2013?
In this feature, Boxing Junkie ranks the three prospective opponents in order of how big of a threat they pose to one of the sport’s top fighters pound for pound.
DMITRY BIVOL (19-0, 11 KOs)
Dmitry Bivol (right) would have a size advantage over Canelo Alvarez. Mark Robinson / Matchroom Boxing
Chances of beating Alvarez: 45% Background: Bivol’s obvious advantage is his size; Alvarez would be moving up to 175 pounds for the fight, as he did when he stopped Sergey Kovalev in the 11th round to win a title in 2019. That’s not all the Russian brings to the table, though. He’s an excellent boxer who is difficult to hit cleanly, which has proven repeatedly against quality opposition. He defeated Sullivan Barrera, Isaac Chilemba, Jean Pascal and Joe Smith Jr. in succession in 2018 and 2019 to establish himself as one of the best fighters worldwide. He hasn’t faced that level of opposition in his three most recent fights but he has remained undefeated. What about his power? He isn’t a big puncher but his hands are heavy enough to keep the smaller Alvarez honest. And, unlike Kovalev at the time he fought Alvarez, Bivol is in his prime at 31 years old. Bottom line: Bivol would be the biggest threat to Alvarez since Daniel Jacobs in May 2019.
JERMALL CHARLO (32-0, 22 KOs)
Jermall Charlo’s jab could frustrate Alvarez. Carmen Mandato / Getty Images
Chances of beating Alvarez: 40% Background: Charlo would have to move up in weight to face Alvarez, which would be a disadvantage on paper. However, the bigger of the Charlo twins brings formidable weapons into the ring. Jermell is more dynamic and punches harder than Jermall pound-for-pound but Jermall is the better, steadier boxer. He has one of the best jabs in boxing, which set up the power punches necessary to win rounds and could knock Alvarez off his game. And don’t underestimate his ability to hurt opponents. He isn’t a knockout artist but he doesn’t play Patty Cake, either. No one – not even Alvarez – would be able to walk through his heavy punches. Plus, he also has an excellent chin, which could come in handy against an opponent who is a big puncher. Charlo might have the all-around ability and toughness to give Alvarez more trouble than some experts might believe.
GENNADIY GOLOVKIN (41-1-1, 36 KOs)
Could Gennadiy Golovkin (right) give Alvarez problems at 40? Cliff Hawkins / Getty Images
Chances of beating Alvarez: 35% Backgrond: Consensus is that it’s too late for Golovkin, who turns 40 on April 8. We’re not so sure. He hasn’t looked in recent fights like the fighter who gave Alvarez hell two times and recorded 23 consecutive knockouts from 2008 to 2016, which might be attributable to wear, tear and age. At the same time, I wonder how motivated Triple-G was against Steve Rolls, Sergiy Derevyanchenko and Kamil Szeremeta. You can bet he’d be at his best – whatever that is at this point – if he were to face his arch rival one more time. Golovkin drew with Alvarez in a fight most observers thought he deserved to win and then lost a close, majority decision to him a year later. The Kazakhstani obviously had the ability and style to push Alvarez to his limits. The question now is whether he has retained enough of that ability at 40 to push him one more time. I believe the fight would be more competitive than some might think.
Canelo Alvarez’s trainer and manager Eddy Reynoso reportedly said that he will have news about the Mexican star’s next opponent soon. Who will it be? Alvarez and Co. have suggested the undisputed super middleweight champion will face cruiserweight …
Canelo Alvarez’s trainer and manager Eddy Reynoso reportedly said that he will have news about the Mexican star’s next opponent soon.
Who will it be?
Alvarez and Co. have suggested the undisputed super middleweight champion will face cruiserweight titleholder Ilunga Makabu in an effort to win a belt in another division, assuming Makabu defeats Thabiso Mchunu on Jan. 19.
If it’s not a cruiserweight, then it’s anyone’s guess who Alvarez (57-1-2, 39 KOs) will face. We’ve heard rumors about potential matchups with top fighters from 160 to 200 pounds. Some have even suggested Alvarez should challenge smallish heavyweight titleholder Oleksandr Usyk, which isn’t realistic.
Here are the five best possible opponents for Alvarez. Note: Title belts play no role in this list. Alvarez has enough of those.
5. Dmitry Bivol (19-0, 11 KOs)
Light heavyweight titleholder Dmitriy Bivol (left) has the size and ability to give Canelo Alvarez trouble. Ed Mulholland / Matchroom Boxing
Bivol, a light heavyweight titleholder, is an excellent all-around fight but isn’t as physically imposing as fellow champ Artur Beterbiev. For that reason, Alvarez and his handlers might be more inclined to face Bivol over Beterbiev. Plus, Bivol has an impressive track record. He defeated in succession Sullivan Barrera, Isaac Chilemba, Jean Pascal and Joe Smith Jr. in 2018 and 2019. A victory over a champion with that kind of resume would add considerably to Alvarez’s already sterling legacy.
4. Artur Beterbiev (17-0, 17 KOs)
Fans want to know whether Alvarez could overcome Artur Beterbiev’s physical advantages. Bernard Brault / Groupe Yvon Michel
Many fans are intrigued by this potential matchup because of the 175-pound titleholder’s size, strength and knockout record: 17 fights, 17 stoppages. Alvarez would have an edge in skill and experience but the Russian’s physical advantages would seem to give him a realistic chance of scoring an upset, if that’s what it would be. Beterbiev is not a mere brute. He had a long, successful amateur career, meaning he has the skill set to set up the thudding blows that destroy his opponents. Alvarez has said many times that he seeks out challenges. This is a challenge.
3. Gennadiy Golovkin (41-1-1, 36 KOs)
Gennadiy Golovkin (left) gave Alvarez all he could handle in two previous fights. Ethan Miller / Getty Images
Triple-G has earned a third fight with Alvarez after a controversial draw and a close decision in Alvarez’s favor, although Alvarez wouldn’t give Golovkin the opportunity for that reason. He might do so because the popular Kazakhstani probably would bring in more money than any other potential opponent. On top of that, most observers believe Alvarez would face minimal risk against a fighter who turns 40 on April 8. So Alvarez would make a nice chunk of change and, if the experts are right, finally separate himself from his greatest rival. Why not fight Triple-G?
2. Jermall Charlo (32-0, 22 KOs)
Jermall Charlo (left) would have to move up in weight to face Alvarez. Carmen Mandato / Getty Images
The 160-pound titleholder would give up a size advantage to Alvarez, who is now a legitimate 168-pounder. And that’s in addition to Alvarez’s perceived edges in ability and experience. Still, this is a fight many fans would love to see. Charlo is an excellent all-around fighter who is quick, athletic and durable. He would have a legitimate of chance of beating Alvarez. On top of that, he and twin brother Jermell Charlo have a substantial fan base, which makes him an attractive opponent from a business standpoint. Charlo is a solid option for Alvarez.
1. David Benavidez (25-0, 22 KOs)
Many believe David Benavidez is the best-possible opponent for Alvarez. Stephanie Trapp / Showtime
This is the fight. Benavidez has ability and quick hands but it’s his power that sets him apart from Alvarez’s last four opponents, which is why he’s a genuine, mouth-watering threat to the man many consider No. 1 pound for pound. They fight in the same division, which is ideal. And it seems to be the matchup the fans want, which means this fight also makes sense from a business standpoint. Alvarez deserves credit for defeating Callum Smith, Billy Joe Saunders and Caleb Plant to become the undisputed 168-pound champion. Now it’s time to fight the best-possible opponent in the division, Benavidez.
Canelo Alvarez’s trainer and manager Eddy Reynoso reportedly said that he will have news about the Mexican star’s next opponent soon. Who will it be? Alvarez and Co. have suggested the undisputed super middleweight champion will face cruiserweight …
Canelo Alvarez’s trainer and manager Eddy Reynoso reportedly said that he will have news about the Mexican star’s next opponent soon.
Who will it be?
Alvarez and Co. have suggested the undisputed super middleweight champion will face cruiserweight titleholder Ilunga Makabu in an effort to win a belt in another division, assuming Makabu defeats Thabiso Mchunu on Jan. 19.
If it’s not a cruiserweight, then it’s anyone’s guess who Alvarez (57-1-2, 39 KOs) will face. We’ve heard rumors about potential matchups with top fighters from 160 to 200 pounds. Some have even suggested Alvarez should challenge smallish heavyweight titleholder Oleksandr Usyk, which isn’t realistic.
Here are the five best possible opponents for Alvarez. Note: Title belts play no role in this list. Alvarez has enough of those.
5. Dmitry Bivol (19-0, 11 KOs)
Light heavyweight titleholder Dmitriy Bivol (left) has the size and ability to give Canelo Alvarez trouble. Ed Mulholland / Matchroom Boxing
Bivol, a light heavyweight titleholder, is an excellent all-around fight but isn’t as physically imposing as fellow champ Artur Beterbiev. For that reason, Alvarez and his handlers might be more inclined to face Bivol over Beterbiev. Plus, Bivol has an impressive track record. He defeated in succession Sullivan Barrera, Isaac Chilemba, Jean Pascal and Joe Smith Jr. in 2018 and 2019. A victory over a champion with that kind of resume would add considerably to Alvarez’s already sterling legacy.
4. Artur Beterbiev (17-0, 17 KOs)
Fans want to know whether Alvarez could overcome Artur Beterbiev’s physical advantages. Bernard Brault / Groupe Yvon Michel
Many fans are intrigued by this potential matchup because of the 175-pound titleholder’s size, strength and knockout record: 17 fights, 17 stoppages. Alvarez would have an edge in skill and experience but the Russian’s physical advantages would seem to give him a realistic chance of scoring an upset, if that’s what it would be. Beterbiev is not a mere brute. He had a long, successful amateur career, meaning he has the skill set to set up the thudding blows that destroy his opponents. Alvarez has said many times that he seeks out challenges. This is a challenge.
3. Gennadiy Golovkin (41-1-1, 36 KOs)
Gennadiy Golovkin (left) gave Alvarez all he could handle in two previous fights. Ethan Miller / Getty Images
Triple-G has earned a third fight with Alvarez after a controversial draw and a close decision in Alvarez’s favor, although Alvarez wouldn’t give Golovkin the opportunity for that reason. He might do so because the popular Kazakhstani probably would bring in more money than any other potential opponent. On top of that, most observers believe Alvarez would face minimal risk against a fighter who turns 40 on April 8. So Alvarez would make a nice chunk of change and, if the experts are right, finally separate himself from his greatest rival. Why not fight Triple-G?
2. Jermall Charlo (32-0, 22 KOs)
Jermall Charlo (left) would have to move up in weight to face Alvarez. Carmen Mandato / Getty Images
The 160-pound titleholder would give up a size advantage to Alvarez, who is now a legitimate 168-pounder. And that’s in addition to Alvarez’s perceived edges in ability and experience. Still, this is a fight many fans would love to see. Charlo is an excellent all-around fighter who is quick, athletic and durable. He would have a legitimate of chance of beating Alvarez. On top of that, he and twin brother Jermell Charlo have a substantial fan base, which makes him an attractive opponent from a business standpoint. Charlo is a solid option for Alvarez.
1. David Benavidez (25-0, 22 KOs)
Many believe David Benavidez is the best-possible opponent for Alvarez. Stephanie Trapp / Showtime
This is the fight. Benavidez has ability and quick hands but it’s his power that sets him apart from Alvarez’s last four opponents, which is why he’s a genuine, mouth-watering threat to the man many consider No. 1 pound for pound. They fight in the same division, which is ideal. And it seems to be the matchup the fans want, which means this fight also makes sense from a business standpoint. Alvarez deserves credit for defeating Callum Smith, Billy Joe Saunders and Caleb Plant to become the undisputed 168-pound champion. Now it’s time to fight the best-possible opponent in the division, Benavidez.
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.”
