WBA middleweight champion Ryota Murata believes that the best times of his future rival, the IBF champion Gennady Golovkinalready behind. The two champions will face off in a unification bout this coming Saturday in Japan.
Golovkin, who will soon turn 40, has only lost once in the pro ring, to Saul "Canelo" Alvarez. Their first fight ended in a controversial draw. Many boxing fans believe that Golovkin did enough to win both of his fights with Canelo, with even Murata admitting that the results of these meetings were questionable.
Golovkin last fought in December 2020 when he defeated mandatory challenger Kamil Szeremeta.
“Yes, the decisions on both fights with Canelo were dubious for me. But it doesn't matter if GGG is undefeated in our upcoming fight or not. I think its peak has already passed. In this fight, only how I will use my strengths in the ring will matter, ”Murata said.
Golovkin recently stated that he would not consider leaving the sport in the near future. A win over Murata could lead him to a trilogy with Canelo for the undisputed super middleweight crown as early as September of this year.
“I'm always happy to be back in the ring and it's great that boxing is coming back. The whole approach, the whole tradition of boxing is still alive. I am also glad that I have enough strength to continue to demonstrate quality boxing to my fans. So you will continue to see me in the ring,” said Golovkin.
“Of course, there are certain thoughts, for example, due to age, but this does not upset me personally, because it is not my fault that I did not have the opportunity to enter the ring earlier. You will not see any of these emotions in the ring. In the ring, I will have a completely professional approach,” added Golovkin.
