TOKYO, Japan – Big name in the middleweight category, Gennady Golovkin, who will turn 40 on Friday, assured Thursday that he would “live up to everyone’s expectations” despite his age, for his fight Saturday against the Japanese Ryota Murata for the unification of the IBF and WBA titles, in Saitama (north of Tokyo).
“I’ve never been 40 before, so it will be a new feeling for me,” said the Kazakh boxer, holder of the IBF belt, at a press conference.
“GGG” Golovkin (41-1-1, including 36 by knockout) can hope for a third clash against his great rival Saul “Canelo” Alvarez if he overcomes Murata (16-2), aged he is 36 years old.
He promised a “great fight” against the Japanese, gold medalist at the 2012 Olympics: “We had a lot of time to prepare for this fight, so I think we will both be in very good condition”, said estimated the Kazakh.
Saturday’s fight was originally scheduled for December, but was postponed due to coronavirus travel restrictions.
“GGG” has not fought since December 2020 and the defense of his belt against the Pole Kamil Szeremeta. As for Murata, it dates back to December 2019. The Japanese had been promoted to “super” WBA champion the following year due to Alvarez’s move to the next category.
