*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change
You’re going to need to set your alarm twice to catch the best of the boxing this Saturday – in the middle of the morning European time boxing’s biggest puncher Gennady Golovkin takes on 2012 Olympic champ Ryota Murata in Japan for the 160-pound championship of the world, while in the middle of the night we have an array action from America, including lightweight whizz-kid Ryan Garcia versus Emmanuel Tagoe.
Saturday 12pm: Gennady Golovkin v Ryota Murata – Golovkin To Win in Round 7-9
We’ve had some big retirements in boxing in the last few years but ‘Triple G’ is still here and doing his thing almost 18 years after winning Olympic silver in Athens. The controversial draw and loss to Saul Alvarez really stung the great champ, but since the fiery Mexican moved up in weight Golovkin has regained two titles and this weekend he travels to take on the challenge of Murata.
The Japanese 2012 gold medallist has won some secondary straps in the middleweight division but he’s had to come back from two shock losses to fringe contenders. Both times Murata has avenged defeat with KO victories and his record now stands at 16 wins, 13 by KO and two defeats.
The pandemic affected both fighters and ‘GGG’ has been out of the ring for a year-and-a-half while Murata has been away for almost a whole year longer. Most boxers prefer to be active and we could see both men struggling a bit for timing and reflexes initially, but both competitors live ‘the life’ outside of the ring and I expect them to be in cracking shape.
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There are also similarities in the way they fight: both want to be on the front foot, pressuring and dictating the pace – expect heads together and punches being thrown in between blows being blocked.
Then of course there is the issue of age: the Kazakh turns 40 on Friday, the eve of the fight, and he looked like he entered the Indian summer of his career about four years ago. Murata is no spring chicken either, having turned 36 in January.
Gennady is famed for his frightening power and he has a KO ratio of 83%, while his challenger has a very respectable 72%,. I don’t see this bout going the distance – the big odds available on Murata might be worth a punt but I can’t look past Golovkin.
Where Ryota throws power punches with his head on the centre line at all times, Golovkin has an elite jab and subtle head movement. Murata is strong physically and no mug technically, but even an ageing Golovkin is on another level – I’m backing the champ to land more and make his power tell, and win by KO just after the midpoint.
Sunday 3am: Ryan Garcia v Emmanuel Tagoe – Garcia Points or Decision
There’s a new ‘Golden Boy’ in boxing and his name is Garcia. After impressively stopping British former title challenger Luke Campbell, Garcia stepped away from boxing to deal with some personal issues but he’s back this weekend to take on tough and tricky Ghanaian lightweight Tagoe.
Garcia has a new coach in his corner – the denim-clad ex-trainer of Amir Khan, Joe Goossen – and I expect him to work on some new moves as he shakes off the rust. Tagoe’s only loss came in his debut 18 years ago, and although ‘Gameboy’ has beaten some decent names, ‘King Ry’ is a real step up.
Garcia will be too long and too sharp, but I think the motivated away fighter is good value ‘Ta-goe’ the distance.
Sunday 12:30am: Gabriel Rosado v Shane Mosley Jr – Draw
Super middleweight veteran Rosado has been in wars for decades but he’s shown recently that he’s still a threat and a tough ‘out’ for anyone. Mosley, son of the legendary namesake, is rugged and has decent skills but he’s a bit too easy to hit – which makes this much-watch boxing.
There’s no doubt Rosado has been in with the better calibre but he’s never been able to separate himself from average opponents – expect blood, guts and a close score on the cards.
Sunday 12am: Erickson Lubin v Sebastian Fundora – Fundora Points or Decision
Two super welters in their mid-twenties with burgeoning CVs looking to move into title contention – Lubin and Fundora is set up to be a great showdown. Lubin has some better names on his record and he’s a small favourite with Paddy, but the ‘Towering Inferno’ Fundora has moved from freak show to showstopper.
It’s so hard punching up to the 6’6’’ southpaw that by the time a glove lands half the power has gone. This should be a great fight – it’s close and no result would be a surprise, but I think there is value in Fundora on points.
This weekend’s boxing tips:
Saturday 12pm: Gennady Golovkin v Ryota Murata – Golovkin To Win in Round 7-9
Sunday 3am: Ryan Garcia v Emmanuel Tagoe – Garcia Points or Decision
Sunday 12:30am: Gabriel Rosado v Shane Mosley Jr – Draw
Sunday 12am: Erickson Lubin v Sebastian Fundora – Fundora Points or Decision
*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change
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