Gennadiy Golovkin set to meet Ryota Murata April 9

IBF world middleweight champion Gennadiy Golovkin returns to action on April 9th when he takes on WBA title holder Ryota Murata.

This unification clash was originally scheduled for December 29th before COVID-19 restrictions were implemented in Japan as a result of the Omicron variant. 

Golovkin (41-1-1, 36 KOs) will now have the chance to prove he’s still one of boxing’s elite names just a day after he turns 40 along with producing an exciting event for Japanese fight fans.

A Golovkin win sets up a third clash with Canelo Alvarez.

"I am glad that the date has finally been set. I would like to express my gratitude to the organizers from Japan for their hard work and full support of the upcoming unification fight," said Golovkin.  

"Ryota Murata is an outstanding champion.  I believe that boxing fans from this beautiful country and around the world will see an exciting event.  

"I look forward to getting back in the ring and bringing the Big Drama Show to Japan."

While Murata (16-2, 13 KOs) is grateful to be sharing the ring with a future Hall of Famer, the 36-year-old is looking to cement himself as one of Japan’s best fighters. 

"It is an honor to share the ring with the great champion Gennadiy Golovkin," Murata said.  

"I am extremely pleased to be part of this historic middleweight title unification fight here in Japan.  

"On April 9th, victory will be mine and Japan will have a unified world middleweight champion."