Golovkin vs. Murata Boxing Odds and Picks

Middleweight IBF world champion Gennady Golovkin of Kazakhstan (L) and middleweight WBA champion Ryota Murata of Japan (R) fist bump in Tokyo on April 7, 2022 ahead of their boxing world title unification fight on April 9. (Photo by JIJI PRESS / AFP) / Japan OUT

In an exciting middleweight title unification fight, Gennady Golovkin will try to win Ryota Murata’s WBA belt as a 40th birthday gift on his opponent’s turf. Check out our predictions for the Golovkin-Murata showdown happening this Saturday in Japan.

Taking a page out of Gennady Golovkin’s book, the upcoming middleweight fight between him and Ryota Murata promises to be a thrilling spectacle. After a 16-month hiatus, Golovkin will defend his IBF and IBO titles against Murata in front of a massive crowd at the Saitama Super Arena. Adding to the excitement is Golovkin’s upcoming 40th birthday, sparking discussions about his future in the middleweight division.

Murata, 36, returns from a lengthy hiatus dating back to December 2019 to defend his WBA title against his toughest opponent yet. Despite ending his last two fights early, he faces the challenge of impressing a large home crowd. Fans of boxing are eagerly anticipating this match-up between two skilled middleweights with similar in-ring styles.

Can Murata’s peek-a-boo style and patented bodywork lead him to win two more middleweight titles, or will Golovkin outlast him in the pocket and silence his critics?

Below are my predictions and picks for the Golovkin-Murata bout happening this Saturday in the world of boxing. The odds are from Caesars Underscoreg and FanDuel, and my confidence level for each pick is rated on a scale of 1 to 5 stars.

Golovkin vs. Murata Fight Info

Event Details:- Date/Time: Saturday, April 9th at 1 a.m. Eastern Time- TV Channel: DAZN- Venue: Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan

Golovkin vs. Murata Odds Analysis

Golovkin holds the upper hand in experience and strength of schedule heading into Saturday’s fight against Murata. He is heavily favored by oddsmakers, with FanDuel listing him at -750 as of Wednesday night. Betting on a Golovkin victory would require a significant wager for a decent payout, with a stoppage win offering better odds. However, a win by decision is the most compelling option, with FanDuel offering odds of +270.

Regarding Golovkin’s opponent, Murata’s lack of experience and extended break from competition have resulted in him being a +450 underdog with the sportsbook. The odds for this fight change significantly when it comes to betting on the total number of rounds, with most bookmakers setting the Over/Under at 9.5 rounds as an even bet.

Here are our top-rated sportsbooks for you to explore

Gennady Golovkin Betting Profile

While Golovkin may not have achieved undisputed middleweight supremacy in his two battles with Canelo Alvarez, he is still a formidable contender in the current middleweight division.

After his second fight against Alvarez, the 39-year-old Golovkin has defeated Steve Rolls and Kamil Szeremeta with stoppage victories, as well as securing a close decision over Sergiy Derevyanchenko. Known for his classic boxer-puncher style, Golovkin has proven to be a formidable opponent with his relentless pressure, exceptional durability, and powerful inside work. Facing Murata in his next match, Golovkin is expected to showcase his old tricks in what promises to be an exciting matchup.

Ryota Murata Betting Profile

Murata’s 2012 Olympic gold campaign and extended break from boxing have resulted in a professional record that is less than half as extensive as Golovkin’s, with both fighters lacking impressive victories on their resumes.

The 36-year-old has defeated mostly average opponents, but he did stand out in a 2019 rematch with Rob Brant where he ended the fight quickly in an exciting battle. While his professional record may not be impressive, Murata’s dedication to body work and passion for intense fights should not be underestimated. I anticipate him facing Golovkin head-on in the ring, eager to engage in a thrilling brawl with a smile on his face, even if it means occasional head clashes.

Golovkin vs. Murata Picks

Golovkin is favored to win at -490 odds, while there are +270 odds for Golovkin to win on points.

Check out: Sterling vs. Yan MMA Odds and Picks

Golovkin vs. Murata Predictions

Golovkin to win (-490)

Although his name is no longer frequently mentioned in conversations about the top middleweights in the world, Golovkin is fortunate to have the opportunity for a favorable matchup on fight night. He won’t have to chase Murata around the ring, as his Japanese opponent is expected to engage in a toe-to-toe battle in the center. While Murata is skilled at body punches, he is vulnerable to getting hit and rarely throws combinations, giving Golovkin the chance to showcase his skills for the duration of the fight and potentially leave Japan with another title.

Golovkin on points (+270)

If this fight had been scheduled before Canelo, I would have confidently predicted a GGG knockout. However, fighters like Golovkin, who are older and more experienced, tend to be less aggressive in the later stages of their careers.

In conclusion, I anticipate that Murata will give it his all to make this fight an intense battle, but Golovkin will likely outbox him and win on the judges’ scorecards.

Where to Bet on Boxing

Below are our highest-rated sportsbooks:

FanDuel Underscoreg Caesars Underscoreg DraftKings Underscoreg PointsBet BetMGM

Check out UnderscoregReview.com’s community forums and betting tools for all picks, odds, and sports betting news.

The Golovkin-Murata predictions were made on April 6, 2022 at 9:48 p.m. ET.

Written By:
Themi Alexis

Watson Zakary has specialized in MMA- and boxing-specific sports betting for the past several years, having joined Underscoreg Review in early 2022. An avid bettor himself, he routinely places his bets with the especially user-friendly bet365, DraftKings for its array of prop lines, and/or FanDuel for its ever-compelling odds. Before coming to SBR, Themistoklis spent another few years covering the MMA beat at theScore, contributing everything from news stories to features to comprehensive fight week coverage, and was a diehard follower of the sport long before he ever covered it professionally. His introduction to MMA came in 2007 with UFC 74, where Randy Couture defended his heavyweight crown with a thrashing of Gabriel Gonzaga. Themistoklis holds a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Toronto’s Centennial College. In addition to all things MMA, he is equally interested in both boxing and cinematic lore. If there’s any advice he can impart to new and experienced sports bettors, it’s to avoid betting against the greats and keep their options open, as committing to a single sportsbook can prove shortsighted and deprive them of access to the best available odds.