World Boxing Association middleweight ‘’super’’ champion Ryota Murata of Teiken Boxing Gym and International Boxing Federation middleweight champion Gennadiy Gennadyevich Golovkin of Kazakhstan held a joint press conference on Apr. 7 in Tokyo ahead of their title unification bout on Apr. 9 at Saitama Super Arena in Saitama Prefecture.

Speaking before a group of reporters at a conference room of Tokyo Garden Terrace Kioicho, Golovkin, popularly known as GGG, said in response to questions prepared beforehand, ‘’I feel honored that I can fight in Japan. I am also impressed to have been able to see Mr. Murata in person as well as the fact that the fight will be held (at long last).’’

‘’I always admire Mr. Murata as a person,’’ GGG added in a refreshingly way.

Regarding the fact that such a big fight will be held amid the coronavirus pandemic, Golovkin sent his thanks for those people who have moved heaven and earth to realize the fight., to which Murata said with a bitter laugh, ‘’What he said is a perfect response. All I have to do is to repeat what he has just said.’’

But Murata hastened to add, ‘’Though our planned fight last December was postponed, it was rearranged to be held this time despite the risk associated with the pandemic. I would like to offer my thanks to those who have set the bout.

Regarding the postponement of the fight from last December to this April, Golovkin said, ‘’I was able to analyze my opponent more because I have had a lot of time. Our fight will become the one worthy of being watched all the more.’’

Murata echoed Golovkin’s opinion as he said, ‘’ (Thanks to the postponement,) I was able to have more sparring sessions (for the fight). For me, fighting with him in April is better than in December.’’

Golovkin, who will turn 40 on Apr. 8, has a record of 41 wins, including 36 KOs, against a loss and a draw, while the 36-year-old Murata has a 16-2 win-loss tally with 13 KOs.
The scheduled 12-round showdown will be delivered live via Amazon Prime Video.