JAKARTA - Gennady Golovkin has signed for a trilogy fight against Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez on 17 September. But first, he has to beat Ryota Murata this Saturday, April 9.

The fight between Golovkin and gold medalist Japan in London 2012 will take place in Saitama, Japan, which is Murata's home country.

Golovkin praised his opponent and expressed his joy at traveling to Japan to face Murata.

"I already have the experience of going to Japan. During my amateur career, I participated in an event there," Golovkin told talkSPORT, Wednesday, April 6.

"Of course it's always a challenge to come to a new country and fight there. I'm really looking forward to fighting in Japan."

Golovkin then praised Murata, who is a former Olympic champion.

“Ryota Murata is the current world champion and it's all for a reason – he got it. And I have to say that the fighters at his level are the reason for holding this kind of event," said Golovkin.

"This will be a great event. Ryota Murata is the reason I came to his country to fight. It will be a great event for the world of boxing and it is something we are looking forward to."

Meanwhile, the fight between Canelo and Golovkin takes place next September where Canelo must beat Dmitry Bivol first and Golovkin must beat Murata on Saturday.

Aware of the importance of the fight against his Japanese opponent, Golovkin avoided discussing the possibility of a fight against the Mexican boxer in the summer.

"I believe it's too early to talk about it (a duel with Canelo)," added Golovkin.


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