By Joe Koizumi
Gennadiy Golovkin (42-1-1, 37 KOs), 160, unified the WBA and IBF middleweight belts as he withstood a grueling battle with Japanese warrior Ryota Murata (16-3, 13 KOs), 160, and finally decked him with his tremendous attacks to halt him at 2:11 of the ninth round on Saturday in Saitama, Japan. Murata, WBA titlist, displayed his admirable courage in continually stalking GGG, who, however, caught up with him and secured a very significant victory.
Promoter: Teiken Promotions.
**More to come**
Decent fight. Lot of respect for Murata strategy. Really went to exchange with GGG from the word go. Didn’t know him before much, but hope he comes back. GGG definitely looked a bit sluggish early on
Agreed. I gave the first round to GGG based on his effective jab. I thought Murata clearly won 2,3 and 4 and was looking good to start 5 until GGG knocked out his mouthpiece.
After that, Murray’s was not pressing forward and touching GGG to the body, which is what made him successful.
From then on, GGG was landing very effectively with less and less coming back.
Good fight.
GGG clearly still hits hard, but he is obviously slower to me now. Canelo will have an easier time in the third fight, in my opinion.
Yeah that was pretty glaring. Looked exhausted after every attack as well.
Even the final KO was a bit out of the blue because he had taken a breather. Hope it was a bit of ring rust.
No doubt, after watching that fight, Canelo will now DEMAND a third fight with GGG.
Because of politics, money, judges and WBC, GGG didn’t stand a chance against Canyellow in the first 2 fights. A third will be definitive.
Canelo is about to fight a Light Heavyweight champion. Why would he look to go down?
Because he’s always looking for the weakest fighter to fight.
$$$$$$$$
That’s why.
Because he knows he lost the first two if not for Corrupt Judges.
Juan Valdez you’re wrong. It’s already pretty much a done deal they are fighting. It wouldn’t matter if GGG ended it on one punch. Plus that Canelo looking for weak fighters is bogus. Every fighter has weaknesses. Canelo is on an insane path towards greatness. Bivol is a much bigger challenge than anybody in site from a boxing talent point. Charlo, Andrade, are the only fighters with any value that Canelo hasn’t beat. Haters be haters. At least you stay in your lane.
Unfortunately it is not true Tony, Canelo is still picking his oposition very wisely, why he is not fighting the guy who is recognized by boxing world number 1 in 175 lbs weight class, why is he avoiding fighing the guy who is probably the best at 168 and still young? If he wasbgoing to fight GGG why is he waighting so much time for Kazach to get old? The same strategy was implemented by Mayweather and this is why so many people don’t like him.
You contradicted yourself Yarek. Callum was ranked number 1 at 168. So funny how some can take this side of the argument. Bivol is the best boxer out of all opponents available for Canelo. He’s big and strong. Guy had one close fight but outside that he has barely lost a round.
Ansel, great observation. I agree, GGG has slowed some in his advancing age. In fact, he was pushing his punches at times trying to wear down Murata. Make no mistake, GGG is a great fighter for his age, but I am leaning towards a Canelo victory in this case should a future fight go down in the books. Canelo’s youth coupled with his high work rate would really test GGG in the late rounds of a fight. Canelo UD.
And this was why Canelo stalled….fighting Rocky ……
I agree with you but i believe that 2 years lay off is a big factor as well.
Yeah, It’s unfortunate that Canelo Ran the Clock out with GGG. This third fight should have been right after #2. GGG’s over 40 now.
Quite endearing watching this post fight process. After all the brash stuff of UK/USA stuff they all just seem like lovely people. Really respectful and even grateful to be hosting the fight
You do realize the USA is the same way? There are tons of Mexicans living in the USA and tons of Mexican fighters fighting in the USA. If anything Mexican fighters are cheered more than black and white American fighters now days.
Yeah I am a Brit living in USA . I went to the Canelo BJS fight. It was a period when UK fans couldn’t travel so felt like it was in the heart of Mexico. Awesome crowd!
After 8 even rounds GGG came out looking for a knockout and looked like he had Murata out when Murata came back until a combination starting with a right dropped him causing the towel to be thrown in. Great fight.
GGG looked more vulnerable than ever, I believe his age has caught to him.
Deffinitely. Age is not just a number in this case. GGG deserve all the respect for what he has accomplish so far. I believe he won the first fight again Canelo, second for him ir canelo. But it is My opinion, he doesnt have a chance against Canelo in a thir fight. I think he Will lose by TKO because of body shot
GGG has never been dropped in the amateurs or pros but you think he’ll lose from a body shot? Lol Canelo is strong but he’s not a knockout puncher. He wears guys down that can’t keep him off of them. Charlo and Benavidez will test him.
I dont agree it was just ring rust GGG had been out over a year and Murata fought the fight of his life who by the way also had a long/longer layofff ,once the rust was off GGG walked him down skillfully and crushed him…beautiful counter left hook turned Murata sideways…GGG is still a beast and the King at 160!
Don’t forget jet lag.
Yup this is why Canelo stalled…dont get it twisted….He wanted the best but chose Rocky…..
The first 5 rounds GGG was hurt several times with body punches, the turning point started in the 6th, then he was dominant because Murata stop fighting. He looked very vulnerable in this fight, like an old 40 fighter that doesn’t have anymore the overwhelming fortitude that still had in the first Canelo fight. GGG won’t last 10 rounds against this version of Canelo, especially if the fight is at 168.
You mean this version of GGG doesn’t stand a chance against Canyellow?
The overwhelming majority of boxing analysts, and fans, believe GGG won their first fight. The second was a draw but either man could have won, and we all know who usually gets the benefit of the doubt.
I don’t believe he was hurt to the body but he did seem more intent on blocking and avoiding body punches – nothing wrong with this approach.
Closing the way he was wincing and breathing and lunging forward with his head down uncovered was a direct result of being hurt to the body.
I gave GGG first round, murata won 2-5. GGG’s power took over the rest of the fight.
But GGG looked far from good, his balance, timing, speed seem a tad off or slow. Probably to be expected at 40yrs old and being out of the ring for 2 years.
But at this point he’s clearly no match for Canelo. Thats an easy win for clenbuterol boy.
Canelo is vegan now so he can’t use the tainted meat supplements
“But GGG looked far from good”? He just dismantled a fellow titlist. The jab was strong, the power punches were there and ‘yes’ the footwork – never been a GGG strength – was a bit slow and he defended the body more proactively. May not be vintage GGG but still damn good in my view.
The smart move would be to retire now with a belt. Father Time is undefeated. He looked good for a 40yr old fighter but definitely not someone that can beat these younger bigger faster guys. Plus his fighting style is not conducive to long term health. Time to move on.
But he just blasted out one of the guys you say he should be worried about without too much fuss!
SteveG I agree he should do a retirement tour. Maybe one more soft bout to close out the career. He should not do the Canelo bout but he has too much confidence like Erik Morales did.
No canelo fight necessary.
Next top guy instead
Its tooo late for away tooo big Canelo
Japanese are always so polite and happy people but when in danger they mutate instantly dangerous samurai or kamikaze warriors who will never surrenders alive.
Murata sure was one today .
Just as I predicted!
Here’s your cookie.
Great fight. Next time he beats Canelo Alvarez. I am sure that will be a Big Drama for the Mexikaner Warrior…
Optimistic
I thought GGG looked good. Murata made a decent early stand but was well beaten in the end. GGG can beat Canelo but he won’t be the favourite.
ggg showing his age against an opponent with losses against sub elite competition already Canelo will not only beat him again but he will score a KO and send ggg into retirement with a nice paycheck
Now on to the 3rd fight with canelo where ggg gets robbed again via SD
canelo is ducking david benavidez.
David b has to get past David lem first
I picked Murata in a close UD so I’ll eat some crow. I still don’t see this older and slower version of Golovkin being all that competitive with a younger, larger Canelo. Bivol looks like the much bigger threat to Canelo.
GGG is a legend; but this Golovkin doesn’t have a chance against Canelo.
BS early stoppage, Murata was just taking a break and would have got the win if he didn’t get ripped of by his paid off corner throwing the tell.
Canelo in 2!
First and foremost, I was WRONG!! I picked Murata by late round TKO. As for all of the Canelo banter, what for???? He’s 160 and will have to go up to a weight category which he’s never fought in and is clearly fading. He has ZERO chance in pulling a ‘Marquez’ on Canelo!!
Was still a good bet-you will lose more often than not on underdogs but if you have enough live dogs you will make money-recent example Garcia +1200 0ver Colbert.
I agree Golovkin has little chance of going Marquez (or Pacquiao, Foreman, Hopkins, Moore) on Canelo. The list of successful 40+ fighters is short. But what for? Easy, the largest payday of his career before he enjoys retirement and a first ballot HOF induction. Maybe Bivol lends him a hand and roughs up or even beats Canelo.
G looks shot. He gets destroyed by the next A fighter he faces
Always a GGG fan but Canelo will take him out in three or less at this stage…
GGG should retire now. No Canelo 3rd fight. He looked great for a 40 y/o champ.
My take on this is GGG is in my opinion in another league from everyone else.After not being allowed to fight for 2 years (because of covid and fighters pulling out because of it) he GGG comesback to fight a very determined tough guy like Murata,and I might add GGG turned 40,and is showing I.M.O that he has entered the league of the Big George Foreman,Archie Moore,Sugar Ray Robinson,Willie PeP.Here GGG gets into the league of fighters that ruled their divisions even after the age of 40. Now Canelo the CRUISER WEIGHT claims he is wants to fight GGG,well since I.M.O GGG beat him like he stole his dog twice, why does GGG need to give him a 3rd beating? And will the 200+ pounds Canelo come down to a 160? Yeah sure if he cuts of his legs.
Great fight! That Lazer right to the body was hurting GGG. Murata had a great showing of courage. I really don’t want to see GGG vs Canelo in the sense at this point Canelo will KO him possibly real bad. I hate seeing heros go out like that when they should retire or round out their career softly like Mayweather did. I don’t want to see a Morales, Hopkins, Jones Jr, type ending for GGG.
At age 40 GGG is still a power house at 160. but one could easily see he’s not as sharp as he was in his peak prime about 8 years ago. Seems these wars have worn on him a bit, much rather see him fight Charlo next instead of Canelo, but it is prize fighting and Canelo is by far the bigger pay day.
Don’t fight a rematch, GGG, Murata always avenges his losses!
ggg looked gassed after the first round but turned into a entertaining old fashion prize fight. Refreshing for a change no rap hip hop boasting BS
GGG is 40 and 2 years of ring rust. Still got the job done very well. Murata is a very good middle weight and GGG scored an impressive k.o.
Murata was getting him with straights to the body. Thats a bit different than hooks to the body. Murata has a different style than Canelo. Weve seen GGG and Canelo twice already and after 24 rds there was very little to separate them. A third fight will be no different. It will be very close, maybe Canelo wins slightly more convincingly but he’s not going to blow away GGG. He barely blew away Plant and Saunders- yes he won by emphatic k.o. but it wasn’tall one way. GGG is neither Plant or Saunders. Also- and no one is talking about this- canelos greatest victory was against Kovalev and GGG. Those were 3 and 4 years ago respectively. Canelo has peaked. He’s been fighting at the top for a decade now and he has 60 fights under his belt. Sure hes only 31 but those who start young peak young too.
Canelo Vs. GGG III is going to be very similar to Canelo vs GGG I and II.
And Murata has not fought in 3 yrs
Although he has grown older, looks slower, does not hit as hard as before, breathes heavily, seems to be easier to hit, he still won the fight. In its own way, it’s impressive.He’s a great fighter.
Hats off for Murata. Well fought. You clearly showed how to beat GGG.
Canelo III should only be thrown in the bin. Nothing else. Nobody needs that fight. We all know how that fight will end. It is too late.
I hope GGG ends his career in a dignified manner. To be honest, now is the time, not later, to call to a press conference and make it clear to everyone that you are ending your amazing career.
Wish GGG the best of luck.
Murata probably gives anyone hell..long rangy fighter with good power. Brave, very skilled so while GGG looked a little rusty this fight was good for him. Canelo will be favored but fighters like GGG in these scenarios when they get older find a way to peel off a few years for a fight of this magnitude and this type opponent. I wouldn’t hate on GGGs performance against Murata.. keep in mind Murata is a better fighter than Plant who was defensive, moved backwards and has no power. Made Canelo look good
Murata was never great and don’t forget has not fought in 3 yrs.
Whether or not GGG has what it takes to compete with the best at 160 or 168, he is still the most exciting fighter in each of those divisions. The guy is a fan favorite style fighter and mixes subtle skill with maximum aggression, and legitimate punching power. He just doesn’t have the speed or timing left to beat Canelo at 168.
40 y/o GGG Looked great for a 40 y/o GGG. Time to go. No 3rd fight with Canelo maybe retire after this fight. No more to prove. Retire as champ. Great career.
GGG is a legend one of the best MW of all times, give him props at 40 he’s still elite level. I knew he was going to win, he’s the fighter I loved the most from the 2010 decade..
GGG should avoid Canelo, he’s way too immobile to deal with Canelo. GGG has nothing much else to prove, in my eyes. I just don’t want to see him get hurt.
What are don’t understand is why GGG is now saying Canelo wants to fight him? No Canelo does not want to fight GGG. Canelo is now the 168 and 175 lb champion and now fighting at 175 again. GGG is still fighting at 160. Clearly Canelo is not after a 3rd fight. Also another reason why GGG is suing Golden Boy because they could not produce a 3rd fight when Canelo was with them.
I’m a great fan of GGG but I don’t know where to go from here.He seemed to be backed up more often than I have ever seen before.I’m sure he’s got the power but the ability to take a punch and age in general has caught up with him ….. time to ring the final bell still standing !!!
GGG should retire now, before it’s too late. He is clearly on the other side of the hill. Much respect for him, a great ambassador for boxing.
GGG is a tremendous fighter, but let’s not forget Murata, who is 36 and was coming from a long lay-off, was standing in front of him.
GGG looked vulnerable at times. Canelo will have a field day with GGG. Wouldn’t surprise me if there was a fairly quick body KO.
Canelo and camp stalled fighting Rocky and other champs who had no chance….GGG has slowed down but dont think Canelo didnt know this would happen….Much Respect to GGG….if canelo wanted the smoke he would fight Beterbiev or Benvanidez
Triple G is back, Canelo is next.
canelo has to fight bivoll this could turn out to be a good fight triple g still has something left at 40 years old
Many of us believe GGG is undefeated.
That’s because he is. GGG has never been definitively defeated inside of a boxing ring. He’s been in some close scraps where somebody could argue that he may have lost, but he’s never been beaten decisively. That’s the very definition of undefeated.
I get why people say he shouldn’t fight Canelo. Since their last fight Canelo has continued to improve and grown into higher weight classes. GGG on the other hand is slowly succumbing to age. But that payday will be enormous and difficult to refuse. He has to weigh that against the health risks. I think a third fight will be similar to Norris-Leonard, a 12 round beatdown of a legend. I hope he proves me wrong (again) and retires.