Golovkin vs. Murata Picks, Predictions, Odds

VegasInsider Staff Sports Betting Expert

5 minute read

One of boxing’s most prominent names returns to the cage after a 15-month hiatus from the sport. Gennadiy Golovkin, or ‘Triple-G’, is looking to prove he is still one of the best in the sport even after coming up short against No. 1 Canelo Álvarez. If Golovkin can continue winning, a trilogy bout with Canelo seems inevitable. 

Golovkin currently holds the IBF title and is coming off three straight wins since losing to Canelo. Murata, meanwhile, has also been on a bit of a roll as of late, winning two straight via knockout. Murata holds the WBA title. Let's take a look at the fight odds and best bets to consider. 40

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Golovkin vs. Murata Date, Start Time, Location

• Date: Saturday, April 9
• Time: 5.00 a.m. ET
• Network: DAZN
• Venue: The Saitama Super Arena, Saitama, Japan

Golovkin vs. Murata Tale of the Tape

Golovkin vs. Murata Betting Odds

Bettors are seemingly siding with ‘Triple-G’ to get his hand raised on Saturday night. As a result, you’re able to grab Murata as a +450 underdog.

Fanduel opened the betting line with Golovkin as the hefty favorite at -650 (bet $650 to win $100), and Murata as the sizable dog at +410 (bet $100 to win $410). Since then, the market has corrected the books, and now, we’re seeing Golovkin as an even chalkier favorite. Bettors are seemingly siding with ‘Triple-G’ to get his hand raised on Saturday night. As a result, you’re able to grab Murata as a +450 underdog. Most books have Golovkin listed as the heavy favorite to beat Murata on enemy territory. 

Golovkin vs. Murata Betting Odds Comparison

Most books have Golovkin listed as the heavy favorite to beat Murata on enemy territory. 

Golovkin vs. Murata Prediction

At 40 years of age you’ve gotta wonder when age will start to take its toll on Golovkin. Despite the fact that he’s on a three-fight win streak, ‘Triple-G’ was once known as a guy who could fight three times in a year. Right now he’s fought thrice in three years. His activity has dropped for sure, but then again, that’s expected when you make it to the highest level of price fighting - promoters get in the way.

With that being said, Gennadiy is the favorite here, and with good reason. He’s far more accomplished with far more years of experience than Murata who hasn’t even had half the pro fights that ‘Triple-G’ has. That stuff matters.

On top of that, Golovkin's competitive bouts against Canelo makes him the clear A-side here, both in the eyes of the fans and the betting market. The far more well known name tends to draw in money from bettors.

Murata does have some advantages though. First of all ‘Triple-G’ will be 40 when this fight takes place on Saturday. That’s old, even for a pro like ‘GGG’ is. Physically, you’re far from your peak in terms of endurance and strength when you’ve passed 35. I’m sure Golovkin feels that 40 when he wakes up after a hard day of training. Age is just one part of the equation however. 

Height and reach are pretty significantly in favor of Murata in this fight. Murata does have a good jab and he isn’t always the fastest on his exits which means the added range will give him more time to lean away from the attacks of Golovkin.

Murata does get hit though, and he gets hit quite a lot. ‘GGG’ is a bruiser by heart who marches forward with a high guard and looks to get on the inside to do damage. Naturally since Murata has the tall and lanky stature that he has, he will be content to let this fight play out in the middle of the ring, but ‘GGG’ will have other plans.

Ryota has had quite a long layoff too, and that will definitely play into this fight. I also mentioned the age og ‘Triple-G’, and it should be said that Murata, 36, is no spring chicken either. Neither fighter is in their prime.

The way that Murata fights works against guys you can overwhelm, which makes me wonder how he wins this fight. Gennadiy has a legendary chin which, to my recollection, has never been wobbled in the slightest. If you’re siding with Murata you’re essentially banking on him doing what no one has ever done before. Meanwhile Murata has run into trouble with guys who can slip that jab and out-work him over the course of 12 rounds. Golovkin has incredible cardio and will have no issue going the distance.

Murata’s speed worries me. He isn’t fast enough to catch Gennadiy cold, and he can get hit a lot. I think the type of fight he brings plays right into Golovkin’s game. 

Let’s also not dismiss the fact that a third fight between Canelo and Golovkin is inevitable. Boxing isn’t rigged per-se, but promoters do plan out the paths of their fighters, as much as possible at least. I think ‘Triple-G’ shines and does his part to make the trilogy against Álvarez a reality.

Best Bet: Golovkin by Decision or Technical Decision (-163)

VegasInsider Staff

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