IBF and IBO world middleweight champion Gennady Golovkin (41-1-1, 36 KOs) from Kazakhstan in an interview with bbabo.net.jp spoke about the importance of the fight with WBA "super champion" in the same division Japanese Ryota Murata (16-2 , 13 KOs), according to bbabo.net correspondent.
The fight was originally supposed to take place in December, but due to the tightening of coronavirus restrictions in Japan, it was postponed to April 9. The new date was officially announced on March 3rd.
- The fight, which was supposed to take place on December 29 last year, has been postponed to April. What is the complexity of preparation?
- I had to pause and resume training. I didn't want to miss the peak, so after the decision to reschedule was made, I broke camp and returned home to California. At home, I worked with my fitness trainer to keep fit and weight. At the same time, I tried to relax and recover. As the coach said: "Don't gain weight and stay stable." I feel that I returned to the camp in good condition.
- When did the camp resume?
- In the middle of February.
- Who was chosen as a sparring partner to prepare for the fight with Murata? How many rounds of sparring are you planning for bbabo.net?
- There will be 95-100 rounds.
- How would you describe Murata in one word?
- Murata is a fighter who knows how to win. And he will box at home, so he will be in the best condition.
- Given the situation with the pandemic in Japan, it was not clear when this fight would take place. Have you considered meeting other opponents instead of Murata?
- I did not think about that. This fight is important for me and I respect Murata. We want to fight for the belt...
- Why are you so eager to fight against Murata in Japan?
- I still want to win as many world titles as possible, and Murata's title also attracted me. Another reason is that I like to fight abroad. It's great to be able to fight Murata in Japan, where some of the best boxing fans in the world live. You have to fight the champion all over the world.
- Assuming you beat Murata, there's talk in the US of a trilogy with Saul "Canelo" Alvarez in September. It's true?
- I would like to pay tribute to my closest opponent, so I only want to talk about the battle with Murata. The only thing I'm thinking about right now is Murata. This is the most important fight of my career.
- Isn't it difficult to focus on the fight with Murata when there are more important fights in the near future?
- There is no particular problem. For me, the fight with Murata is more important, so it doesn't matter.
- If the meeting with Murata is again postponed for some reason, will you be ready to continue to wait for this fight?
- I want to think that this fight will take place as scheduled.
- When will you arrive in Japan?
- Not decided yet.
- April 8, the day before the fight, you will have a birthday. How will you celebrate?
- I will celebrate when I return to my family (after the fight). However, I am glad that after weighing I will be able to eat well!
- You will turn 40 in Japan. Are you getting better or worse at this age?
- I lead a healthy lifestyle, so I don’t feel a decline with age. Spending time with your family can also help keep you looking young. Experience gained with age cannot be bought with money. I believe that now I have become a better boxer.
- Finally, what do you want to convey to the Japanese fans who are looking forward to this fight?
- This is a very important fight for me and I think it might be the most interesting fight I've ever had. Murata and I will give it our all. Japanese boxing fans are passionate and demanding. Murata and I want to give you a great show and I'm sure we can do it.
bbabo.Net