BoxRec

Since winning the 'regular' version of the WBA middleweight title this past weekend, Ryota Murata (13-1, 10 KOs) and his promoter Bob Arum of Top Rank have made it very clear that unified champion, Gennady Golovkin (37-0-1, 33 KOs), is someone they are targeting for a fight at the Tokyo Dome. And there is reciprocal interest.

"100-percent, I've always thought it would be great for Gennady to fight in Japan," said Tom Loeffler, the promoter for Golovkin, to BS.com.

"All of his fights are shown on Japanese television on WOWOW and we have a lot of respect for Murata. Murata's actually been in Big Bear training before. He had a great knockout win, I think that could definitely make sense for 'Triple G'."

Asked if there would be any difficulties in making this fight, Loeffler noted - "We have an exclusive contract with HBO so I don't know the conditions there would be on that but certainly we would explore it, if it would be possible.

"I would imagine that would be something that would have to take place on HBO under Gennady's contract. But all that is premature right now. We're focused on trying to do the rematch with 'Canelo' (Saul Alvarez). But certainly if an opportunity to fight in Japan would come up - we'd be interested."

Golovkin fought Canelo to a draw on September 16th in an event that did big business and currently the two sides are negotiating a rematch that would most likely take place in May of 2018. But perhaps afterwards a fight with Murata would be possible.

"All of that is very preliminary,' 'warned Loeffler, who added - "but from what I've read and from what Bob was saying he's talking about doing something at the end of 2018. So that would certainly work into the schedule."

Is Loeffler saying all this to show Golden Boy that GGG has options?

I know Murata wants Arum to make this fight happen.

Mismatch.

The WBC has mandated a rematch between Canelo and Golovkin. Alvarez also has a rematch clause, but it's entirely possible (but unlikely) that they won't fight again anytime soon if GBP & K2 can't agree terms.

GGG also has mandatories to perform against the likes of Sergiy Derevyanchenko (IBF) and Jermall Charlo (WBC).

Gennady could also consider facing the winner of Saunders-Lemieux to add the WBO belt to his collection.

Daniel Jacobs has recently signed a contract with HBO, becoming GGG’s network stablemate, so I suspect that there is an expectation that they will be compelled to engage in a rematch at some point.

Demetrius Andrade has also signed with HBO and he’s rated third, behind Canelo and Jacobs in the WBA’s rankings.

The WBA have not yet ordered a bout between Golovkin and Murata. They are unlikely to do so in the short-term, given the fact the Kazakh has only recently performed a mandatory defence of his WBA belt.

Basically, Gennady Golovkin has lots of options to consider and obligations to perform. So I don’t expect to see a bout between GGG and Murata take place during 2018.

This would be a real easy win for Golovkin. Murata is a tough, come forward brawler with some decent power, but everything he can do GGG can do better, and GGG has more versatility to his game as well.

I like it when elite boxer fight globaly. Good fight

Jip wrote:I like it when elite boxer fight globaly. Good fight

GGG has fought everywhere compared to a lot of other fighters.

Ruthless-RKO wrote:

Jip wrote:I like it when elite boxer fight globaly. Good fight

GGG has fought everywhere compared to a lot of other fighters.

True. Europe usa now maybe asia. He realy is a global champion.

He also fought in Panama.

Murata stands little chance today but time is on his side. Another year or two he likely will have developed into a fighter who could be competitive with a 37-year-old GGG.

wouldnt mind it tbh. would be a huge event in japan with an exciting atmosphere.

Ruthless-RKO wrote: ↑15 Apr 2018, 13:45

Sorry Bob, but Golovkin-Murata is NOT a PPV attraction...unless it's part of the new $4.99 ESPN app.

Murata didn't exactly look like a ball of fire today. I can't see many fans clamoring for the bout.

But there's always plenty money in Japan so financially it makes sense.

SenorPipino wrote: ↑15 Apr 2018, 14:22

Ruthless-RKO wrote: ↑15 Apr 2018, 13:45

Sorry Bob, but Golovkin-Murata is NOT a PPV attraction...unless it's part of the new $4.99 ESPN app.

Murata didn't exactly look like a ball of fire today. I can't see many fans clamoring for the bout.

But there's always plenty money in Japan so financially it makes sense.

He probably means that tbh.. i doubt ESPN indroduce a proper ppv platform..

Can Golovkin even fight on ESPN? Is he still tied to HBO?

The main impediment for the fight may be not the network affiliations, but Clenbnelo's team keeping Golovkin hostage because of their rematch some time in future. Loefler should grow a pair and not allow that. With how Golovkin is irritated with Canelo, I think he will be fine skipping that rematch for good and unifying belts instead.

boxing_rocks wrote: ↑15 Apr 2018, 15:52 The main impediment for the fight may be not the network affiliations, but Clenbnelo's team keeping Golovkin hostage because of their rematch some time in future. Loefler should grow a pair and not allow that. With how Golovkin is irritated with Canelo, I think he will be fine skipping that rematch for good and unifying belts instead.

I easily could be wrong on this theory.
But I think the rematch clause might be null and void with Canelos positive drug test.

boxing_rocks wrote: ↑15 Apr 2018, 15:52 The main impediment for the fight may be not the network affiliations, but Clenbnelo's team keeping Golovkin hostage because of their rematch some time in future. Loefler should grow a pair and not allow that. With how Golovkin is irritated with Canelo, I think he will be fine skipping that rematch for good and unifying belts instead.

It's amazing how quickly "irritation" disappears when the lure of a massive payday awaits.

tiny_acres wrote: ↑15 Apr 2018, 16:34

boxing_rocks wrote: ↑15 Apr 2018, 15:52 The main impediment for the fight may be not the network affiliations, but Clenbnelo's team keeping Golovkin hostage because of their rematch some time in future. Loefler should grow a pair and not allow that. With how Golovkin is irritated with Canelo, I think he will be fine skipping that rematch for good and unifying belts instead.

I easily could be wrong on this theory.
But I think the rematch clause might be null and void with Canelos positive drug test.

DLH and Loeffler will still try to arrange it.