Ryōta Murata

{{Short description|Japanese boxer (born 1986)}} {{use dmy dates|date=May 2020}} {{Infobox boxer |name = Ryōta Murata |image = Ryota Murata IMG 6695-1 20171223.jpg |caption = Ryōta Murata in 2017 |imagesize = |realname = 村田諒太 |nickname = Golden Fist |weight = {{plainlist| *Middleweight }} |height = 6 ft<ref name="stats2022">''DAZN'' tale of the tape prior to the Gennady Golovkin fight.</ref> |reach = 75 in<ref name="stats2022" /> |birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=y|1986|01|12}}<ref name="aiba">{{Cite web|url=http://88.85.4.2/biographies.fwx?id_athlete=269|title=Biographies for Ryōta Murata|year=2011|publisher=International Boxing Association|access-date=November 6, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120411190948/http://88.85.4.2/biographies.fwx?id_athlete=269|archive-date=April 11, 2012}}</ref> |birth_place = Nara, Japan<ref name="kyoto2008">{{Cite web|url=http://www.47news.jp/sports/olympics/beijing2/011/|script-title=ja:全力で五輪切符つかむボクシングの村田南京都高出身|date=March 14, 2008|publisher=Kyoto Shimbun – 47news. jp|language=ja|access-date=November 6, 2011}}</ref> |style = Orthodox |total = 19 |wins = 16 |KO = 13 |losses = 3 |draws = |no contests = |medaltemplates= {{MedalSport|Men's amateur boxing}} {{MedalCountry|{{JPN}} }} {{MedalCompetition|Olympic Games}} {{MedalGold|2012 London|Middleweight}} {{MedalCompetition|World Championships}} {{MedalSilver|2011 Baku | Middleweight}} {{MedalCompetition|Asian Championships}} {{MedalBronze|2005 Ho Chi Minh City|Middleweight}} }}

{{Nihongo|'''Ryōta Murata'''|村田諒太|Murata Ryōta|extra=born 12 January 1986}} is a Japanese former professional boxer who competed from 2013 to 2022. He held the WBA (Regular) middleweight title twice between 2017 and 2021, and the WBA (Super) middleweight title from 2021 to 2022. As an amateur, he won a silver medal at the 2011 World Championships, and gold the following year at the 2012 Olympics.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.sponichi.co.jp/olympic/yomimono/2012deai/kiji/K20120509003274460.html|script-title=ja:村田諒太 (2) 活動自粛から現役復帰再び夢へ|date=May 9, 2012|newspaper=Sports Nippon|language=ja|access-date=June 14, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120620054212/http://www.sponichi.co.jp/olympic/yomimono/2012deai/kiji/K20120509003274460.html|archive-date=June 20, 2012}}</ref>

== Amateur career == Murata started boxing in the first grade of junior high school.<ref name="ishida201201">{{Cite web|url=http://www.ninomiyasports.com/sc/modules/bulletin/article.php?storyid=4091|script-title=ja:星に願いを: 村田諒太 (アマチュアボクシング世界選手権銀メダリスト/東洋大職員) <後編>「恩師に捧げるリング」|author=Hiroyuki Ishida|date=January 24, 2012|publisher=Sports Communications|language=ja|access-date=June 14, 2012}}</ref> His then trainer was Hiroaki Takami, who competed at the 1984 Summer Olympics.<ref name="mainichi0813">{{cite news|url=http://mainichi.jp/sponichi/news/20120813spn00m050005000c.html|script-title=ja:挫折3度…村田の強さは、逃げても戻る "ずぶとさ"|date=August 13, 2012|newspaper=Mainichi Shimbun|language=ja|access-date=August 16, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130218194418/http://mainichi.jp/sponichi/news/20120813spn00m050005000c.html|archive-date=February 18, 2013|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Two years later, he started attending Shinko Boxing Gym in Osaka from his home in Nara City.<ref name="ishida201201" /> He was trained under the former Japanese super lightweight champion Hiromu Kuwata at that gym for one year.<ref name="mainichi0813" />

He proceeded to Minami-Kyoto High School and was coached there by Maekawa Takemoto, who served as the coach of the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://hochi.yomiuri.co.jp/sports/box/news/20100210-OHT1T00311.htm |script-title=ja:アマボクシング女子強化委員長の武元氏が急死 |date=February 11, 2010 |newspaper=Sports Hochi |language=ja |access-date=November 6, 2011 |url-status=unfit |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100213200657/http://hochi.yomiuri.co.jp/sports/box/news/20100210-OHT1T00311.htm |archive-date=February 13, 2010 }}</ref> Murata went on to capture five national titles.<ref name="kyoto2008" /> Takemoto died in 2010, at the age of 50.<ref name="yomiuri0812">{{cite news|url=http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/sports/T120812003055.htm|title=Murata fought with late mentor in mind|author=Keiichi Kojima|date=August 12, 2012|newspaper=Yomiuri Shimbun|access-date=August 16, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://mainichi.jp/english/english/features/news/20120813p2a00m0na009000c.html|title=London Stories: Boxer Murata, wrestler Yonemitsu capture gold on final day|author=Shin Kobayashi, Mitsumasa Takemoto and Keigo Kawasaki|date=August 13, 2012|newspaper=Mainichi Shimbun|access-date=August 16, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130218174747/http://mainichi.jp/english/english/features/news/20120813p2a00m0na009000c.html|archive-date=February 18, 2013|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://ajw.asahi.com/article/sports/topics/AJ201208150039|title=Gold Medalist/ Boxing: Murata owes it all to former coach, hard work|date=August 15, 2012|newspaper=Asahi Shimbun|access-date=August 16, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120815063524/http://ajw.asahi.com/article/sports/topics/AJ201208150039|archive-date=August 15, 2012|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref>

However, after his admission to Toyo University, he suffered a number of DQ losses in the university league.<ref>{{Cite web|work=THE PAGE |url=http://thepage.jp/detail/20130824-00010000-wordleafs|script-title=ja:村田諒太、恩師に誓うデビュー戦勝利!|page=1|date=August 24, 2013|language=ja|access-date=August 31, 2013}}</ref> At that time, he trained at the Physical Training School of the Self Defense Forces, on the recommendation of Takemoto.{{citation needed|date=May 2020}}

After winning the All-Japan Amateur Boxing Championships in the first grade of university in 2004, he captured the bronze medal in the 2005 Asian Amateur Boxing Championships in Ho Chi Minh City,<ref name="kyoto2008" /> and the silver medal in the 2005 King's Cup in Bangkok.<ref name="asbc">{{Cite web|url=http://www.asiaboxing.org/biographies.php?country=8&boxer=326|title=Biographies for Ryōta Murata|year=2013|publisher=Asian Boxing Confederation|access-date=May 25, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131004235345/http://www.asiaboxing.org/biographies.php?country=8&boxer=326|archive-date=October 4, 2013}}</ref><ref name="kyoto2008" /> After that, Murata went on an undefeated streak in his country, winning the All-Japan Amateur Boxing Championships also in 2007, 2009, 2010,<ref name="asbc" /> and 2011.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nikkansports.com/sports/news/f-sp-tp0-20111120-866232.html|title=世界「銀」村田V3／ボクシング|date=November 20, 2011|newspaper=Nikkan Sports|language=ja|access-date=November 20, 2011}}</ref> However, he was defeated in the preliminary round by Nikolajs Grisunins at the 2005 World Amateur Boxing Championships, and again in the preliminary round by Bakhtiyar Artayev in the 2006 Asian Games. {{citation needed|date=May 2020}}

In the 2007 World Amateur Boxing Championships he won against Donatas Bondorovas in the first round, but lost to Shawn Estrada in the second round.{{citation needed|date=May 2020}}

At the 2008 1st Asian Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Bangkok, Thailand, he won over Narmandakh Shinebayar in the quarterfinal but lost to Elshod Rasulov in the semifinal. In the 2nd AIBA Asian 2008 Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Astana, Kazakhstan, he was eliminated in the quarterfinal by Homayoun Amiri and ended in the seventh place.<ref name="asbc" />

Murata retired as a boxer after failing to qualify for the 2008 Summer Olympics. After graduating from the university, he started coaching at the boxing club while working as an employee of his alma mater.<ref name="yomiuri0812" /><ref name="toyo0725">{{Cite web|url=http://www.toyo.ac.jp/2012olympic/murata_j.html|script-title=ja:選手プロフィール村田諒太 - ロンドンオリンピック特集|date=July 25, 2012|publisher=Toyo University|language=ja|access-date=July 27, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120729010400/http://www.toyo.ac.jp/2012olympic/murata_j.html|archive-date=July 29, 2012|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref> A year and a half later, he resumed his boxing career.<ref name="toyo0725" /><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/sports/T120812003189.htm|title=Murata punches way to historic gold|author=Jiji Press|author-link=Jiji Press|date=August 13, 2012|newspaper=Yomiuri Shimbun|access-date=August 16, 2012}}</ref>

In 2010, he secured the bronze medal by winning over Udai Al-Hindawi in the quarterfinal of the China Open Tournament in Guiyang, China, but lost to Husan Baymatov in the semifinal. In the 2010 Kazakhstan President's Cup in Astana, he won over Levan Guledani in the preliminary round but lost to Danabek Suzhanov in the quarterfinal.<ref name="asbc" />

In July 2011, he won the gold medal at the 21st President's Cup in Jakarta.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.aiba.org/en-US/news/ozqsp/newsId/4025/news.aspx|title=Japan Win the Team Event in Jakarta|date=July 13, 2011|publisher=International Boxing Association|access-date=November 6, 2011}}</ref>

At the 2011 World Amateur Boxing Championships, Murata won over his preliminary contest over Leandro Sanchez (24–11).<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.aiba.org/en-US/news/ozqsp/newsId/4175/news.aspx|title=A fast victory for Brown|date=September 28, 2011|publisher=International Boxing Association|access-date=November 6, 2011}}</ref> In a big upset, Murata stopped two-time world champion Abbos Atoev in the first round.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/more-sports/boxing/Japans-Murata-stuns-defending-champion/articleshow/10200869.cms|title=Japan's Murata stuns defending champion|author=AFP|author-link=Agence France-Presse|date=October 2, 2011|newspaper=The Times of India|access-date=November 6, 2011}}</ref> He subsequently defeated Mohammad Sattarpour (22–11, in the second round)<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.aiba.org/en-US/news/ozqsp/newsId/4198/news.aspx|title=Teymur Mammadov triumphs in Baku|date=October 3, 2011|publisher=International Boxing Association|access-date=November 6, 2011}}</ref> and Stefan Härtel (18–15, in the third round).<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.supersport.com/boxing/article.aspx?Id=1065251|title=Aussie eliminates India's Kumar|author=Sapa-AFP|date=October 4, 2011|publisher=SuperSport|access-date=November 6, 2011}}</ref> By beating Härtel, Murata secured qualification for the 2012 Summer Olympics.<ref>{{Cite journal|author=''Boxing Beat'' editorial department|editor=MACC Publications Inc|date=October 15, 2011|script-title=ja:村田が銀 & 五輪切符獲得|journal=Ironman|issue=special issue|series=Boxing Beat|page=109|location=Tokyo, Japan|publisher=Fitness Sports Co., Ltd.|language=ja|asin=B005T5W52C |asin-tld=co.jp}}</ref> In the quarter-final, he beat Darren O'Neill (18-9).<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/sport/2011/1006/1224305328510.html|title=And then there was one as Nevin advances |date=October 6, 2011|newspaper=The Irish Times|access-date=November 6, 2011}}</ref> Finally he defeated Esquiva Falcão (24–11) to qualify for the final.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/664604/ukraine-dominate-aiba-events-semi-finals|title=Ukraine dominate AIBA event's semi-finals|author=AFP|date=October 8, 2011|newspaper=Dawn|access-date=November 6, 2011}}</ref> Murata's run came to an end against Evhen Khytrov, losing a close match (22–24) and taking home the silver medal.<ref name="aiba" />

=== 2012 Olympics === In the 2012 Summer Olympics, second-seeded Murata defeated Algeria's Abdelmalek Rahou 21–12 in the round of 16 at the ExCeL London on 2 August 2012.<ref>{{cite news|date=August 2, 2012|title=Olympics-Men's boxing middleweight last 16 results|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/oly-boxi-bxm75k-idUSL6E8J2LO020120802|access-date=August 5, 2012}}</ref> He subsequently beat Turkey's Adem Kılıççı 17–13 in the quarter-finals on 6 August,<ref>{{cite news|date=August 6, 2012|title=Olympics-Men's boxing middleweight quarter-finals results|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/oly-boxi-bxm75k-idUSL6E8J6E9920120806|access-date=August 6, 2012}}</ref> and also outpointed Uzbekistan's Abbos Atoev 13–12 in the semi-finals on 10 August.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.boxingscene.com/?m=show&opt=printable&id=55926#ixzz23AbuMHe3|title=Olympics Men's Middleweight Semifinals Live Results|author=Jake Donovan|date=August 10, 2012|publisher=BoxingScene.com|access-date=August 16, 2012}}</ref> In the final on 11 August, he beat the Esquiva Falcão with a score of 14–13 and took the gold medal.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.london2012.com/boxing/event/men-middle-75kg/index.html|title=Olympics-Men's boxing Middleweight Final|date=August 12, 2012|publisher=Official London 2012 website|access-date=August 12, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120813080343/http://www.london2012.com/boxing/event/men-middle-75kg/index.html|archive-date=August 13, 2012}}</ref><ref group="Video">{{Cite video|date=August 11, 2012|title=Boxing Men's Middle (75kg) - Gold Medal Final - Brazil v Japan Full Replay - London 2012 Olympics|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h29uO1J78uo|medium=YouTube video|publisher=IOC|access-date=August 16, 2012}}</ref><ref group="Video">{{Cite video|date=August 12, 2012|title=Boxing Men's Middle (75kg) Finals Bout - Japan GOLD - London 2012 Olympic Games Highlights|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NbubzW06SCQ|medium=YouTube video|publisher=IOC|access-date=August 16, 2012}}</ref>

After winning the quarter-finals, Murata and Florentino were both assured of the first men's boxing medal for their countries since the 1968 Summer Olympics.<ref>{{cite news|author=Patrick Johnston|date=August 6, 2012|title=Brazil wait 42 years for a medal then two arrive|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/london-olympics-bozing-brazil-idINDEE8750M020120806|access-date=August 16, 2012}}</ref><ref name="koizumi">{{Cite web|url=http://www.fightnews.com/Boxing/remembering-olympic-medalists-out-of-japan-128802|title=Remembering Olympic medalists out of Japan|author=Joe Koizumi|date=August 11, 2012|publisher=Fightnews.com|access-date=August 16, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121125221050/http://www.fightnews.com/Boxing/remembering-olympic-medalists-out-of-japan-128802|archive-date=November 25, 2012|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref> It was a tough, close bout.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.boxingscene.com/?m=show&opt=printable&id=55974|title=Ryota Murata Captures Middleweight Gold For Japan|author=Jake Donovan|date=August 11, 2012|publisher=BoxingScene.com|access-date=August 16, 2012}}</ref>

Murata is the hundredth gold medalist for Japan in their Olympic history.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://london2012.nikkansports.com/column/data/archives/p-cl-tp0-20120813-1000021.html|script-title=ja:村田で金100人目メダル総獲得数400個|date=August 13, 2012|newspaper=Nikkan Sports|language=ja|access-date=August 16, 2012}}</ref> His is Japan's first boxing gold medal since Takao Sakurai won in the bantamweight class in 1964,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/olympics/ryota-murata-wins-japans-2nd-ever-boxing-gold-medal-edging-brazils-esquiva-falcao/2012/08/11/163a8a48-e3fc-11e1-89f7-76e23a982d06_story.html|title=Ryota Murata wins Japan's 2nd-ever boxing gold medal, edging Brazil's Esquiva Falcao|agency=Associated Press|date=August 11, 2012|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=August 16, 2012}}{{dead link|date=June 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> and also is the first-ever boxing medal in a weight class other than bantamweight or flyweight.<ref name="koizumi" />

The Brazilian Olympic Committee asked the International Boxing Association (AIBA) for a review of the final,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://latino.foxnews.com/latino/sports/2012/08/18/brazil-wants-olympic-boxing-decision-reviewed/|title=Brazil wants Olympic boxing decision reviewed|author=EFE|author-link=EFE|date=August 18, 2012|publisher=Fox News Latino|access-date=August 18, 2012}}</ref> but the AIBA turned down the request.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://ajw.asahi.com/article/sports/topics/AJ201208220059|title=Brazil says request to review Olympic final against Murata denied|agency=Associated Press|date=August 22, 2012|newspaper=Asahi Shimbun|access-date=August 22, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130117065345/http://ajw.asahi.com/article/sports/topics/AJ201208220059|archive-date=January 17, 2013|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref>

Murata finished his amateur career with a record of 119–18 (89 RSC).<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.fightnews.com/Boxing/olympic-gold-medalist-murata-halts-opbf-champ-shibata-in-pro-debut-221110|title=Olympic Gold Medalist Murata halts OPBF Champ Shibata in pro debut|author=Joe Koizumi|date=August 25, 2013|publisher=Fightnews.com|access-date=August 31, 2013}}</ref>

==== Results ==== Men's Middleweight (75 kg) # Round of 16: '''Ryōta Murata''', Japan (21) '''''def''''' Abdelmalek Rahou, Algeria (12) # Quarterfinals: '''Ryōta Murata''', Japan (17) '''''def''''' Adem Kılıççı, Turkey (13) # Semi-finals: '''Ryōta Murata''', Japan (13) '''''def''''' Abbos Atoev, Uzbekistan (12) # Final: '''Ryōta Murata''', Japan (14) '''''def''''' Esquiva Falcão, Brazil (13)

== Professional career == Murata registered with Misako Boxing Gym in April 2013,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.sponichi.co.jp/battle/news/2013/04/12/kiji/K20130412005597040.html|script-title=ja:三迫会長村田デビューは「夏でもいい」「重い責任感じる」|date=April 12, 2013|newspaper=Sports Nippon|language=ja|access-date=July 3, 2013}}</ref> and signed with Top Rank in June.<ref name="fightnews201306">{{Cite news|title=Murata: I want to become world champion and leave my name as one of the legends in boxing|author=Miguel Maravilla|url=http://www.fightnews.com/Boxing/murata-i-want-to-become-world-champion-and-leave-my-name-as-one-of-the-legends-in-boxing-205908|publisher=fightnews.com|date=June 11, 2013|access-date=July 3, 2013}}</ref> He also asked Teiken Promotions for cooperation in promotion.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.sponichi.co.jp/battle/news/2013/06/11/kiji/K20130611005992210.html|script-title=ja:村田米興行大手との契約の背景は? 「プロジェクト」最後のピースそろう|date=June 11, 2013|newspaper=Sports Nippon|language=ja|access-date=July 3, 2013}}</ref> Murata is sponsored by Dentsu.<ref name="fightnews201306" /> Before turning professional, Murata had declined participation in AIBA Pro Boxing by saying that he intended to retire as a boxer.<ref>{{cite news|script-title=ja:引退勧告を受けた村田、プロ転向示唆|url=http://www.daily.co.jp/ring/2013/02/03/1p_0005715129.shtml|newspaper=Daily Sports|date=February 3, 2013|access-date=July 3, 2013|language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nikkansports.com/battle/news/p-bt-tp0-20130628-1148917.html|script-title=ja:ボクシング「村田ルール」7・1スタート|date=June 28, 2012|newspaper=Nikkan Sports|language=ja|access-date=July 3, 2013}}</ref> Upon turning professional, Murata was banned from Japan Amateur Boxing Federation (JABF) for his disloyal behavior in February 2013.<ref>{{cite news|script-title=ja:村田、プロ正式表明! アマ山根会長に直談判|url=http://hochi.yomiuri.co.jp/sports/box/news/20130202-OHT1T00242.htm|newspaper=Sports Hochi|date=February 3, 2013|access-date=July 3, 2013|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130203044155/http://hochi.yomiuri.co.jp/sports/box/news/20130202-OHT1T00242.htm|archive-date=February 3, 2013}}</ref>

Qualified as a professional boxer in April 2013, he was cleared to fight in eight or more round bouts.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.jbc.or.jp/web/test/2013/04.pdf|script-title=ja:プロボクサーテスト合格発表|date=April 2013|publisher=Japan Boxing Commission|language=ja|access-date=July 4, 2013}}</ref> His professional debut took place in a six-round bout at a 161 lb catchweight against Akio Shibata at the Ariake Coliseum on 25 August 2013.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.jiji.com/jc/c?g=spo_30&k=2013070300412|title=村田、8月にプロデビュー=OPBF王者柴田と対戦|date=July 3, 2013|publisher=Jiji Press|language=ja|access-date=July 3, 2013}}</ref> Murata won the bout by a second-round technical knockout. Murata went on to win his first four fights by knockout.

Murata's first fight in the U.S. took place in November 2015 against Gunnar Jackson. He won the fight via unanimous decision (99-91, 98-92, 97-93), outworking Jackson throughout most of the bout.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Murata, Reed, Marriaga, Kavaliauskas Win in Vegas|url=https://www.boxingscene.com/murata-reed-marriaga-kavaliauskas-win-vegas--97884|website=BoxingScene.com|date=7 November 2015 }}</ref>

Murata (8-0, 5 KOs), who was ranked fifth in the WBC and IBF middleweight ratings, ranked eighth in the WBO middleweight ratings and ranked eleventh in the WBA middleweight ratings at the time, faced Gaston Alejandro Vega (24-10-1, 10 KOs) of Argentina on 30 January in Shanghai, on the under card of Chinese superstar Zou Shiming against Natan Santana Coutinho. Murata won the fight by KO in the second round.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Ryota Murata Faces Gaston Alejandro on 1/30 in Shanghai|url=https://www.boxingscene.com/ryota-murata-faces-gaston-alejandro-on-130-shanghai--100184|website=BoxingScene.com|date=10 January 2016 }}</ref>

===WBA (Regular) middleweight champion===

==== Murata vs. N'Dam ==== After 12 consecutive victories, Murata fought for the vacant WBA (Regular) title against Hassan N'Dam N'Jikam on 27 May 2017. Murata lost a very controversial split decision (116-111, 115-112, 110-117), in a match which many thought he'd won. N'Dam N'Jikam was knocked down in Round 4 but survived and got the decision.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.co.uk/boxing/story/_/id/19426568/hassan-ndam-defeats-ryota-murata-split-decision|title=N'Dam keeps title with a split decision vs. Murata|date=May 20, 2017|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> The two judges who scored the fight for N'Dam N'Jikam were immediately suspended and WBA president Gilberto Mendoza issued a public apology.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/boxing/story/_/id/19470851/judges-hassan-ndam-ryota-murata-fight-suspended-questionable-scorecards|title=N'Dam-Murata judges suspended over scoring|date=May 26, 2017|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> A rematch was immediately ordered by the WBA,<ref>[http://www.eurosport.com/boxing/boxing-wba-order-rematch-of-n-dam-murata-title-fight_sto6174535/story.shtml "Boxing-WBA order rematch of N'Dam-Murata title fight"]. Eurosport. 21 May 2017. Retrieved 21 May 2017.</ref> and scheduled for 22 October.<ref>[http://www.boxingscene.com/ryota-murata-vs-hassan-ndam-rematch-on-october-22--119133 "Ryota Murata vs. Hassan N'Dam Rematch on October 22"]. 3 August 2017. Retrieved 3 August 2017.</ref>

==== Murata vs. N'Dam II ==== On 22 October, Murata decisively beat N'Dam N'Jikam, whose team threw in the towel after round 7. Murata's body attack wore his opponent down, he also hurt him with a series of combinations. The fight was attended by 8,500 people at the Ryōgoku Kokugikan. This was N'Dam N'Jikam's first stoppage loss.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.badlefthook.com/2017/10/22/16518520/ryota-murata-stops-hassan-ndam-in-rematch|title=Murata stops N'Dam in rematch|first=Patrick L.|last=Stumberg|date=October 22, 2017|website=Bad Left Hook}}</ref>

After the fight, Murata said, "I know that you're going to have a rougher time after you win a title. And there are other very strong champions in this weight class at other organizations. The people here know it. I will aim to be at their level." With the win, Murata became Japan's first Olympic medalist to win a world title, as well as the first Japanese middleweight world champion since Shinji Takehara.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2017/10/22/more-sports/boxing-2/ryota-murata-beats-hassan-ndam-rematch-claim-wba-middleweight-world-title/|title=Ryota Murata beats Hassan N'Dam in rematch to claim WBA middleweight world title|first=Kaz|last=Nagatsuka|date=October 22, 2017|website=The Japan Times}}</ref>

==== Murata vs. Blandamura ==== On 15 April, Murata retained his secondary middleweight world title with a one-sided eighth-round knockout of Emanuele Blandamura at the Yokohama Arena in Yokohama, Japan. Blandamura was ranked #6 by the WBA at middleweight.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Murata vs Blandamura - News, Tape, Ringwalk, TV, Streaming & Tickets|url=https://box.live/fights/murata-vs-blandamura/|access-date=2021-07-02|website=Box.Live|language=en-US}}</ref> Defending his 160-pound belt for the first time since knocking out Hassan N'Dam in the seventh round of their October rematch to claim the title, Murata had a similarly easy time with Blandamura.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/boxing/story/_/id/23184562/ryota-murata-knocks-emanuele-blandamura-retains-secondary-middleweight-world-title|title=Murata KOs Blandamura in one-sided defense|date=April 15, 2018|website=ESPN.com}}</ref>

==== Murata vs. Brant ==== Murata failed to defend his WBA middleweight world title and suffered his second defeat on 20 October in Las Vegas, losing to mandatory challenger Rob Brant of the U.S. by unanimous decision, 118-110, 119-109 and 119-109. Brant was ranked #3 by the WBA and #11 by the IBF at the time.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Murata vs Brant - News, Tape, Ringwalk, TV, Streaming & Tickets|url=https://box.live/fights/murata-vs-brant/|access-date=2021-07-02|website=Box.Live|language=en-US}}</ref> Brant threw over 1,200 punches to get the decision, wearing Murata out and down over the course of the fight.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.badlefthook.com/2018/10/21/18005246/murata-vs-brant-results-rob-brant-dominates-ryota-murata-wins-decision|title=Murata vs Brant results: Rob Brant dominates Ryota Murata, wins decision|first=Scott|last=Christ|date=October 21, 2018|website=Bad Left Hook}}</ref>

==== Murata vs. Brant II ==== Brant made his second defense of WBA "regular" middleweight title against Murata on 12 July 2019 at Edion Arena in Osaka, Japan.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Rob Brant vs. Ryota Murata Rematch Finalized For July 12|url=https://www.boxingscene.com/rob-brant-vs-ryota-murata-rematch-finalized-july-12--138325|website=BoxingScene.com|date=24 April 2019 }}</ref> Murata regained the WBA "regular" middleweight title with a stunning 64 power punches he landed on Brant in Round 2, forcing referee Luis Pabon to stop the bout 2 minutes 34 seconds into the round. Murata's 64 power punches connected were the second most by a middleweight in a round next to Mike McCallum 's 74 landed punches in a fifth-round TKO of Nicky Walker in 1991.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/boxing/story/_/id/27175040/ryota-murata-shines-tko-rob-brant-now-what|title=Ryota Murata shines in TKO of Rob Brant. Now what?|date=July 12, 2019|website=ESPN.com}}</ref>

==== Murata vs. Butler ==== Murata defended his regained title on 23 May December 2019 at the Yokohama Arena against hard-punching Canadian contender Steven Butler (27-1). Butler was ranked #8 by the WBA at middleweight. Murata's power showed up right from the start, but Butler managed to keep up with the champion in the early rounds using his long reach and fast combinations. However, Murata's constant offense, sharp jab and powerful rights started to wear down Butler in round four. Near the end of Round 5, Murata drove Butler to the ropes and began to unleash a series of hard punches, before landing a devastating left hook that caused Butler to crash down on the canvas. Referee Rafael Ramos immediately halted the contest, thus giving Murata the victory by TKO.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Ryota Murata Drops, Stops Steven Butler In Five Rounds|url=https://www.boxingscene.com/ryota-murata-drops-stops-steven-butler-five-rounds--145394|access-date=2019-12-23|website=BoxingScene.com|date=23 December 2019 |language=en-us}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.badlefthook.com/2019/12/23/21034895/murata-vs-butler-results-fifth-round-knockout-tko-boxing-news-japan-top-rank|title=Ryota Murata puts Steven Butler away in fifth round to retain WBA belt|last=Christ|first=Scott|date=2019-12-23|website=Bad Left Hook|language=en|access-date=2019-12-23}}</ref>

=== WBA (Super) middleweight champion === In January 2021, Murata was elevated to the status of full WBA (Super) middleweight champion. The position had previously been vacant after the previous Super champion Canelo Álvarez had vacated the title to move up to the super-middleweight division.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-01-07|title=Boxing News: Ryota Murata rises to WBA super champion » May 28, 2021|url=https://fightnews.com/ryota-murata-rises-to-wba-super-champion/97781|access-date=2021-05-28|website=fightnews.com|language=en-US}}</ref>

==== Murata vs. Golovkin ==== {{Main|Gennady Golovkin vs. Ryōta Murata}} After multiple rumors suggesting that Murata was set to take on IBF and IBO champion Gennady Golovkin in a unification match, it was announced on 27 October 2021 that a deal had finally been agreed between the two to stage the bout at the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan on 29 December 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-10-27|title=Sources: Golovkin, Murata agree on Dec. 29 bout|url=https://www.espn.co.uk/boxing/story/_/id/32487117/sources-gennadiy-golovkin-ryota-murata-agree-dec-29-title-bout-japan|access-date=2021-11-05|website=ESPN.com|language=en}}</ref> The fight eventually took place on 9 April 2022. Murata suffered a ninth-round TKO loss. Murata started fast and seemed to control the pace for some of the early rounds until Golovkin took over by the mid-rounds. Golovkin inflicted tremendous punishment on Murata in round eight. The end came in round nine when after a hard right hand dropped Murata, the Japanese's corner threw in their towel, giving Golovkin a ninth-round technical knockout win.

==== Retirement==== Murata announced his retirement at the age of 37, saying he had run out of challenges following his loss in 2022 to Golovkin. Murata told reporters in Tokyo he had "always thought that the Golovkin fight would be the last one. After that, I couldn't really find anything more that I wanted out of boxing. Winning the [Olympic] gold medal was a starting point, becoming a world champion was a starting point... I regard everything as a new beginning. As such, today is a new start. From here on, I want to build a solid future. As of today, professional boxer Ryota Murata will be retiring. Thank you to everyone who has supported me."<ref>https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/boxing-japanese-champion-murata-hangs-up-gloves</ref>

==Personal life== Murata was married in May 2010. His son was born in May 2011.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.sponichi.co.jp/olympic/news/2012/08/08/kiji/K20120808003855791.html|script-title=ja:村田は変わった! 家族の存在で"ポジティブ"に|date=August 8, 2012|newspaper=Sports Nippon|language=ja|access-date=August 22, 2012}}</ref>

==Professional boxing record== {{BoxingRecordSummary |draws= |nc= |ko-wins=13 |ko-losses=1 |dec-wins=3 |dec-losses=2 |dq-wins= |dq-losses= }} {|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" |- !{{abbr|No.|Number}} !Result !Record !Opponent !Type !Round, time !Date !Location !Notes |- |19 |{{no2}}Loss |16–3 |style="text-align:left;"| Gennady Golovkin |TKO |9 (12), {{small|2:11}} |9 Apr 2022 |align=left| {{small|Super Arena, Saitama, Japan}} |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Lost WBA (Super) middleweight title; For IBF and IBO middleweight titles}} |- |18 |{{yes2}}Win |16–2 |style="text-align:left;"| Steven Butler |TKO |5 (12), {{small|2:45}} |23 Dec 2019 |style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Yokohama Arena, Kanagawa, Japan}} |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Retained WBA (Regular) middleweight title}} |- |17 |{{yes2}}Win |15–2 |style="text-align:left;"| Rob Brant |TKO |2 (12), {{small|2:34}} |12 Jul 2019 |style="text-align:left;"| {{small|EDION Arena, Osaka, Japan}} |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Won WBA (Regular) middleweight title}} |- |16 |{{no2}}Loss |14–2 |style="text-align:left;"| Rob Brant |UD |12 |20 Oct 2018 |style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Park MGM, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.}} |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Lost WBA (Regular) middleweight title}} |- |15 |{{yes2}}Win |14–1 |style="text-align:left;"| Emanuele Blandamura |TKO |8 (12), {{small|2:56}} |15 Apr 2018 |style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Yokohama Arena, Kanagawa, Japan}} |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Retained WBA (Regular) middleweight title}} |- |14 |{{yes2}}Win |13–1 |style="text-align:left;"| Hassan N'Dam N'Jikam |{{abbr|RTD|Corner retirement}} |7 (12), {{small|3:00}} |22 Oct 2017 |style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Ryōgoku Kokugikan, Tokyo, Japan}} |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Won WBA (Regular) middleweight title}} |- |13 |{{no2}}Loss |12–1 |style="text-align:left;"| Hassan N'Dam N'Jikam |{{abbr|SD|Split decision}} |12 |20 May 2017 |style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Ariake Colosseum, Tokyo, Japan}} |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|For vacant WBA (Regular) middleweight title}} |- |12 |{{yes2}}Win |12–0 |style="text-align:left;"| Bruno Sandoval |KO |3 (10), {{small|2:53}} |30 Dec 2016 |style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Ariake Colosseum, Tokyo, Japan}} | |- |11 |{{yes2}}Win |11–0 |style="text-align:left;"| George Tahdooahnippah |TKO |1 (10), {{small|1:52}} |23 Jul 2016 |style="text-align:left;"| {{small|MGM Grand Garden Arena, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.}} | |- |10 |{{yes2}}Win |10–0 |style="text-align:left;"| Felipe Santos Pedroso |TKO |4 (10), {{small|2:50}} |14 May 2016 |style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Convention and Exhibition Centre, Hong Kong, SAR}} | |- |9 |{{yes2}}Win |9–0 |style="text-align:left;"| Gastón Vega |KO |2 (10), {{small|2:23}} |30 Jan 2016 |style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Oriental Sports Center, Shanghai, China}} | |- |8 |{{yes2}}Win |8–0 |style="text-align:left;"| Gunnar Jackson |UD |10 |7 Nov 2015 |style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Thomas & Mack Center, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.}} | |- |7 |{{yes2}}Win |7–0 |style="text-align:left;"| Douglas Damiao Ataide |TKO |5 (10), {{small|0:38}} |1 May 2015 |style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Ota City General Gymnasium, Tokyo, Japan}} | |- |6 |{{yes2}}Win |6–0 |style="text-align:left;"| Jessie Nicklow |UD |10 |30 Dec 2014 |style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Metropolitan Gym, Tokyo, Japan}} | |- |5 |{{yes2}}Win |5–0 |style="text-align:left;"| Adrian Luna Flores |{{abbr|UD|Unanimous decision}} |10 |5 Sep 2014 |style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Yoyogi National Gymnasium, Tokyo, Japan}} | |- |4 |{{yes2}}Win |4–0 |style="text-align:left;"| Jesús Ángel Nerio |{{abbr|KO|Knockout}} |6 (10), {{small|2:35}} |22 May 2014 |style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Shimazu Arena, Kyoto, Japan}} | |- |3 |{{yes2}}Win |3–0 |style="text-align:left;"| Carlos Nascimento |TKO |4 (8), {{small|0:43}} |22 Feb 2014 |style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Cotai Arena, Macau, SAR}} | |- |2 |{{yes2}}Win |2–0 |style="text-align:left;"| Dave Peterson |TKO |8 (8), {{small|1:20}} |6 Dec 2013 |style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Ryōgoku Kokugikan, Tokyo, Japan}} | |- |1 |{{yes2}}Win |1–0 |style="text-align:left;"| Akio Shibata |{{abbr|TKO|Technical knockout}} |2 (6), {{small|2:24}} |25 Aug 2013 |style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Ariake Colosseum, Tokyo, Japan}} | |- |}

==References== {{Reflist}}

=== Video references === {{Reflist|colwidth=30em|group=Video}}

== External links == *{{SR/Olympics profile|mu/ryota-murata-1}} *[https://web.archive.org/web/20120615150442/http://88.85.4.2/results-daily.fwx?id_compet=79&day=&cat=&nat=&decision=&session=&name=Ryota+MURATA Ryōta Murata's daily results] International Boxing Association *{{Boxrec|657422}} *[https://box.live/boxers/ryota-murata/ Ryota Murata - Profile, News Archive & Current Rankings] at [https://Box.Live Box.Live]

{{s-start}} {{s-sport}} {{s-text|style=background:#C1D8FF; font-weight: bold;|text=Minor world boxing titles}} {{s-break}} {{s-bef|before=Hassan N'Dam N'Jikam}} {{s-ttl|title=WBA (Regular) middleweight champion|years=22 October 2017 – 20 October 2018}} {{s-aft|after=Rob Brant}} {{s-bef|before=Rob Brant}} {{s-ttl|title=WBA (Regular) middleweight champion |years=12 July 2019 – 1 January 2021 Promoted}} {{s-vac|next=Erislandy Lara}} {{s-text|style=background:#C1D8FF; font-weight: bold;|text=World boxing titles}} {{s-break}} {{s-bef|before=Canelo Álvarez|as=Super champion}} {{s-ttl|title=WBA middleweight champion|years=1 – 6 January 2021 Promoted}} {{s-vac|next=Erislandy Lara}} |- {{s-vac|last=Canelo Álvarez}} {{s-ttl|title=WBA middleweight champion Super title|years=6 January 2021 – 9 April 2022}} {{s-aft|after=Gennadiy Golovkin}} {{s-end}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Murata, Ryota}} Category:Middleweight boxers Category:Sportspeople from Nara (city) Category:Toyo University alumni Category:1986 births Category:Living people Category:Boxers at the 2012 Summer Olympics Category:Olympic boxers for Japan Category:Olympic gold medalists for Japan Category:Olympic medalists in boxing Category:Boxers at the 2006 Asian Games Category:Medalists at the 2012 Summer Olympics Category:Japanese male boxers Category:IBA Men's World Boxing Championships medalists Category:Recipients of the Medal with Purple Ribbon Category:Asian Games boxers for Japan Category:21st-century Japanese sportsmen