Gennady Golovkin vs. Ryota Murata First Look Fight Preview | Picks and Breakdown (Archive)
IBO and IBF world middleweight champion Gennady Golovkin returns to the ring to defend his titles and challenge for the WBA middleweight belt versus Ryota Murata at the Saitama Super Arena. Read on for our complete betting guide taking a first look at GGG vs. Murata, including updated boxing odds, free expert boxing betting picks, and predictions.
Gennady “GGG” Golovkin vs. Ryota Murata
WBA, IBF, IBO Middleweight Championship Main Event Bout
Saturday, April 09, 2022 – 11:00 PM EDT at Saitama Super Arena
Gennady “GGG” Golovkin (43-1-1, 36 KOs)
Former undefeated and undisputed WBC, IBF, WBA, and IBO middleweight champion Gennady Golovkin was the world's No.1 ranked middleweight on the planet; until losing a controversial split decision during a rubber match with Canelo Alvarez in 2018.
Despite many critics and media members believing that GGG was robbed - the show had to go on - and the Kazakhstan native didn't waste time recovering some gold from Sergiy Derevyanchenko in 2019.
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Following a 16-month layoff, GGG is returning to defend his IBF and IBO titles whilst attempting to claim the WBA Super middleweight strap from the boxing pride of Japan, Ryota Murata.
GGG is critically acclaimed as the best middleweight boxer of this generation. The trilogy bout with Alvarez is apparently booked for September – a bout that could undeniably establish Golovkin's "greatest of all-time" status.
Gennady Golovkin Best Available Odds: (-440) with Heritage Sports (visit our Heritage Sports Review)
Ryota Murata (16-2, 13 KOs)
2012 gold medal Olympic champion Ryota Murata is the most decorated boxer to stem from Japan. Since signing with Top Rank in 2013, they've assisted in taking his professional career to great heights as he eventually captured the WBA title in 2017 and ultimately the WBA Super Middleweight Championship in 2021.
Murata has collected some ring rust, staying away from in-ring action since December of 2019. However, a partisan crowd of 36,000 Japanese fans in Saitama and a significant age advantage could be all the Asian star needs to edge one over the 40-year-old ring-rusted Golovkin.
Ryota Murata Best Available Odds: (+425) with Bovada (visit our Bovada Review)
Analysis and Breakdown
How Can GGG Defeat Murata?
Aged 40, we can expect the reflexes and speed of Golovkin to have slightly diminished, but Murata makes the perfect opponent for GGG because of a slugging-type style we've witnessed time and time again.
The most durable chin and overall ability will be the successor in this fight, and GGG is yet to show a deteriorating chin. For this reason, and because Murata will undoubtedly stand and bang with the former world No.1, I suspect a GGG knockout blow could be on the horizon.
How Can Murata Defeat GGG?
Murata will own a 3-year age advantage, but this isn't much. While he can certainly go blow-for-blow with a lower level of competition, GGG will be the most prolific boxer he's ever faced during his professional career.
Playing the long game and expecting more success in the later rounds versus the aging Golovkin could be a viable game plan for Murata; however, the Japanese star has also suffered from a lengthy layoff, and ring rust could undoubtedly be a factor.
Betting Picks and Odds
The available odds at Bookmakers Review are heavily juiced in favor of GGG, but I don't expect this contest to reach the judges' scorecards.
Either way, no matter who wins this contest, I believe one man will be dragged from the canvas following a knockout blow – most likely being the hometown hero. With a trilogy bout with Canelo Alvarez awaiting, I expect GGG will be headhunting Murata with precision from the opening bell.
GGG vs. Murata Result: GGG wins via KO
Boxing Pick: Under 9 ½ rounds (-119) Bovada
*The line and/or odds on picks in this article might have moved since the content was commissioned. For updated line movements, visit BMR’s free betting odds product.