An incredible sportsmanship moment happened when the middleweight boxing world champion Gennady Golovkin returned a belt to the recently defeated Ryota Murata.
Gennady Golovkin retained IBF and IBO middleweight titles in yesterday’s clash with Ryota Murata. Additionally, the 40-year-old Kazakh also snatched the WBO middleweight title. The two were scheduled to clash for 12 rounds and Golovkin managed to knock out Murata in the 9th round.
Right after the 9th round started, Golovkin used the remaining of his stamina to press on Murata and box aggressively. He landed a heavy shot on his opponent’s body followed by another right hand that sent Murata to the canvas, and knocked him out.
When the referee started counting, Murata’s corner threw the towel inside the ring, signaling the referee that Murata was unable to continue.
What a fight. What a champion @GGGBoxing #GGGMurata pic.twitter.com/dKHWlwxpjb
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) April 9, 2022
Following his victory, Gennady Golovkin made an emotional gesture to Murata. ‘Triple G’ decided to give back the belt to his opponent. Golovkin visited Murata in his changing room with the WBA belt in his hand.
“This is your belt for your whole life now.” Golovkin said and they proceeded to shake hands and embrace each other.
Ryota Murata earned the WBA title for the first time in 2017 against Hassan N’Dam N’Jikam. The 36-year-old Japanese boxer lost the belt in 2018 against Rob Brant but managed to snatch it back in their rematch the following year.
As for Gennady Golovkin, he marked his 4th consecutive win after losing to Canelo Alvarez in 2018. He is now set to have a trilogy with the Mexican. Their bout is expected to be held in September this year.