Ryōta Murata

Ryōta Murata (村田 諒太, Murata Ryōta, born 12 January 1986) is a Japanese professional boxer who has held the WBA (Regular) middleweight title from 2017 to 2018 and regained it in 2019. As an amateur, he won a silver medal at the 2011 World Championships, and gold the following year at the 2012 Olympics.[6] As of August 2019, Murata is ranked as the world's sixth best active middleweight by The Ring magazine and the Transnational Boxing Rankings Board, and eighth by BoxRec.

Ryōta Murata
Ryōta Murata in 20187
Statistics
Real name村田 諒太
Weight(s)
Height182 cm (6 ft 0 in)[1][2][3]
Reach190 cm (75 in)
NationalityJapanese
Born (1986-01-12) 12 January 1986[4]
Nara, Nara Prefecture, Japan[5]
StanceOrthodox
Boxing record
Total fights18
Wins16
Wins by KO13
Losses2
Medal record
Men’s amateur boxing
Representing  Japan
Olympic Games
2012 LondonMiddleweight
World Championships
2011 Baku Middleweight
Asian Championships
2005 Ho Chi Minh CityMiddleweight

Early life and amateur career

Murata started boxing in the first grade of junior high school.[7] His then trainer was Hiroaki Takami who competed at the 1984 Summer Olympics.[8] Two years later, he started attending Shinko Boxing Gym in Osaka from his home in Nara City.[7] He was trained under the former Japanese super lightweight champion Hiromu Kuwata at that gym for one year.[8]

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.[9] Murata went on to capture five national titles.[5] Takemoto died in 2010, at the age of 50.[10][11][12]

However, after his admission to Toyo University, he suffered a number of DQ losses in the university league.[13] At that time, he trained at the Physical Training School of the Self Defense Forces, on the recommendation of Takemoto.

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,[5] and the silver medal in the 2005 King’s Cup in Bangkok.[3][5] After that, Murata went on an undefeated streak in his country, winning the All-Japan Amateur Boxing Championships also in 2007, 2009, 2010,[3] and 2011,.[14] However, he was eliminated in the preliminary round by Nikolajs Grisunins at the 2005 World Amateur Boxing Championships, and was also eliminated in the preliminary round by Bakhtiyar Artayev in the 2006 Asian Games.

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.

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.[3]

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.[10][15] A year and a half later, he resumed his boxing career.[15][16]

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.[3]

In July 2011, he won the gold medal at the 21st President's Cup in Jakarta.[17]

At the 2011 World Amateur Boxing Championships, Murata won over his preliminary contest over Leandro Sanchez (24–11).[18] In a big upset, Murata stopped two-time world champion Abbos Atoev in the first round.[19] He subsequently defeated Mohammad Sattarpour (22–11, in the second round)[20] and Stefan Härtel (18–15, in the third round).[21] By beating Härtel, Murata secured qualification for the 2012 Summer Olympics.[22] In the quarter-final, he beat Darren O'Neill (18-9).[23] Finally he defeated Esquiva Falcão (24–11) to qualify for the final.[24] Murata's run came to an end against Evhen Khytrov, losing a close match (22–24) and taking home the silver medal.[4]

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.[25] He subsequently beat Turkey's Adem Kılıççı 17–13 in the quarter-finals on 6 August,[26] and also outpointed Uzbekistan's Abbos Atoev 13–12 in the semi-finals on 10 August.[27] In the final on 11 August, he beat the Esquiva Falcão with a score of 14–13 and took the gold medal.[28][Video 1][Video 2]

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.[29][30] It was a tough, close bout.[31]

Murata is the hundredth gold medalist for Japan in their Olympic history.[32] His is Japan's first boxing gold medal since Takao Sakurai won in the bantamweight class in 1964,[33] and also is the first-ever boxing medal in a weight class other than bantamweight or flyweight.[30]

The Brazilian Olympic Committee asked the International Boxing Association (AIBA) for a review of the final,[34] but the AIBA turned down the request.[35]

Murata finished his amateur career with a record of 119–18 (89 RSC).[36]

Results

Men's Middleweight (75 kg)

  1. Round of 16: Ryōta Murata, Japan (21) def Abdelmalek Rahou, Algeria (12)
  2. Quarterfinals: Ryōta Murata, Japan (17) def Adem Kılıççı, Turkey (13)
  3. Semi-finals: Ryōta Murata, Japan (13) def Abbos Atoev, Uzbekistan (12)
  4. Final: Ryōta Murata, Japan (14) def Esquiva Falcão, Brazil (13)

Professional career

Murata registered with Misako Boxing Gym in April 2013,[37] and signed with Top Rank in June.[38] He also asked Teiken Promotions for cooperation in promotion.[39] Murata is sponsored by Dentsu.[38] Before turning professional, Murata had declined participation in AIBA Pro Boxing by saying that he intended to retire as a boxer.[40][41] Upon turning professional, Murata was banned from Japan Amateur Boxing Federation (JABF) for his disloyal behavior in February 2013.[42]

Qualified as a professional boxer in April 2013, he was cleared to fight in eight or more round bouts.[43] 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.[44] 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 United States took place on November 2015 against Gunnar Jackson. He won the fight via unanimous decision (99-91, 98-92, 97-93), outworking Jackson throughout most of the fight.[45]

Murata (8-0, 5 KOs), who is ranked at #4 in the WBC's middleweight ratings at that time, will face 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 2nd round KO.[46]

WBA (Regular) middleweight champion

After twelve consecutive victories, Murata fought for the vacant WBA (Regular) title against Hassan N'Dam N'Jikam on 27 May 2017. Murata lost a 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.[47] The two judges who scored the fight for N'Dam N'Jikam were immediately suspended and WBA president Gilberto Mendoza issued a public apology.[48] A rematch was immediately ordered by the WBA,[49] and scheduled for 22 October.[50]

On 22 October, Murata decisively beat N'Dam N'Jikam, who threw in the towel after round 7. Murata's body attack wore his opponent down, he was also able to 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.[51]

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 the first Olympic medalist from Japan to win a world title, as well as the first Japanese middleweight world champion since Shinji Takehara.[52]

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. 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.[53]

Murata failed to defend his WBA middleweight world title and suffer his second defeat on 20 October, Saturday in Las Vegas Nevada, losing to mandatory challenger Rob Brant of the United States by unanimous decision, 118-110, 119-109 and 119-109. Brant threw over 1,200 punches to get the decision, wearing Murata out and down over the course of the fight.[54]

Brant made his second defense of WBA "regular" middleweight title against Murata on 12 July 2019 at Edion Arena in Osaka, Japan.[55] 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.[56]

Murata defended his regained title on 23 May December 2019 at the Yokohama Arena against hard-punching Canadian contender Steven Butler (27-1). 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.[57][58]

Personal life

Murata was married in May 2010. His son was born in May 2011.[59]

Professional boxing record
Professional record summary
18 fights 16 wins 2 losses
By knockout 13 0
By decision 3 2
No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Location Notes
18 Win 16–2 Steven Butler TKO 5 (12), 2:45 23 Dec 2019 Yokohama Arena, Kanagawa, Japan Retained WBA (Regular) middleweight title
17 Win 15–2 Rob Brant TKO 2 (12), 2:34 12 Jul 2019 EDION Arena, Osaka, Japan Won WBA (Regular) middleweight title
16 Loss 14–2 Rob Brant UD 12 20 Oct 2018 Park MGM, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. Lost WBA (Regular) middleweight title
15 Win 14–1 Emanuele Blandamura TKO 8 (12), 2:56 15 Apr 2018 Yokohama Arena, Kanagawa, Japan Retained WBA (Regular) middleweight title
14 Win 13–1 Hassan N'Dam N'Jikam RTD 7 (12), 3:00 22 Oct 2017 Ryōgoku Kokugikan, Tokyo, Japan Won WBA (Regular) middleweight title
13 Loss 12–1 Hassan N'Dam N'Jikam SD 12 20 May 2017 Ariake Colosseum, Tokyo, Japan For vacant WBA (Regular) middleweight title
12 Win 12–0 Bruno Sandoval KO 3 (10), 2:53 30 Dec 2016 Ariake Colosseum, Tokyo, Japan
11 Win 11–0 George Tahdooahnippah TKO 1 (10), 1:52 23 Jul 2016 MGM Grand Garden Arena, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.
10 Win 10–0 Felipe Santos Pedroso TKO 4 (10), 2:50 14 May 2016 Convention and Exhibition Centre, Hong Kong, SAR
9 Win 9–0 Gastón Vega KO 2 (10), 2:23 30 Jan 2016 Oriental Sports Center, Shanghai, China
8 Win 8–0 Gunnar Jackson UD 10 7 Nov 2015 Thomas & Mack Center, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.
7 Win 7–0 Douglas Damiao Ataide TKO 5 (10), 0:38 1 May 2015 Ota-City General Gymnasium, Tokyo, Japan
6 Win 6–0 Jessie Nicklow UD 10 30 Dec 2014 Metropolitan Gym, Tokyo, Japan
5 Win 5–0 Adrian Luna Flores UD 10 5 Sep 2014 Yoyogi National Gymnasium, Tokyo, Japan
4 Win 4–0 Jesús Ángel Nerio KO 6 (10), 2:35 22 May 2014 Shimazu Arena, Kyoto, Japan
3 Win 3–0 Carlos Nascimento TKO 4 (8), 0:43 22 Feb 2014 Cotai Arena, Macau, SAR
2 Win 2–0 Dave Peterson TKO 8 (8), 1:20 6 Dec 2013 Ryōgoku Kokugikan, Tokyo, Japan
1 Win 1–0 Akio Shibata TKO 2 (6), 2:24 25 Aug 2013 Ariake Colosseum, Tokyo, Japan
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See also

References
  1. "Ryōta Murata's boxing stats". International Boxing Association. 2012. Retrieved 27 August 2012.
  2. "Japanese Medalists in London 2012 Olympics". joc.or.jp. Japanese Olympic Committee. Retrieved 17 January 2014.
  3. "Biographies for Ryōta Murata". Asian Boxing Confederation. 2013. Archived from the original on 4 October 2013. Retrieved 25 May 2013.
  4. "Biographies for Ryōta Murata". International Boxing Association. 2011. Archived from the original on 11 April 2012. Retrieved 6 November 2011.
  5. 全力で五輪切符つかむ　ボクシングの村田　南京都高出身 (in Japanese). Kyoto Shimbun – 47news. jp. 14 March 2008. Retrieved 6 November 2011.
  6. 村田諒太 (2) 活動自粛から現役復帰　再び夢へ. Sports Nippon (in Japanese). 9 May 2012. Archived from the original on 20 June 2012. Retrieved 14 June 2012.
  7. Hiroyuki Ishida (24 January 2012). 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」 (in Japanese). Sports Communications. Retrieved 14 June 2012.
  8. 挫折3度…村田の強さは、逃げても戻る "ずぶとさ". Mainichi Shimbun (in Japanese). August 13, 2012. Archived from the original on February 18, 2013. Retrieved August 16, 2012.
  9. アマボクシング女子強化委員長の武元氏が急死. Sports Hochi (in Japanese). 11 February 2010. Archived from the original on 13 February 2010. Retrieved 6 November 2011.CS1 maint: unfit url (link)
  10. Keiichi Kojima (12 August 2012). "Murata fought with late mentor in mind". Yomiuri Shimbun. Retrieved 16 August 2012.
  11. Shin Kobayashi, Mitsumasa Takemoto and Keigo Kawasaki (August 13, 2012). "London Stories: Boxer Murata, wrestler Yonemitsu capture gold on final day". Mainichi Shimbun. Archived from the original on February 18, 2013. Retrieved August 16, 2012.
  12. "Gold Medalist/ Boxing: Murata owes it all to former coach, hard work". Asahi Shimbun. August 15, 2012. Archived from the original on August 15, 2012. Retrieved August 16, 2012.
  13. 村田諒太、恩師に誓うデビュー戦勝利! (in Japanese). The page. 24 August 2013. p. 1. Retrieved 31 August 2013.
  14. "世界「銀」村田V3／ボクシング". Nikkan Sports (in Japanese). 20 November 2011. Retrieved 20 November 2011.
  15. 選手プロフィール　村田 諒太 - ロンドンオリンピック特集 (in Japanese). Toyo University. July 25, 2012. Archived from the original on July 29, 2012. Retrieved July 27, 2012.
  16. Jiji Press (13 August 2012). "Murata punches way to historic gold". Yomiuri Shimbun. Retrieved 16 August 2012.
  17. "Japan Win the Team Event in Jakarta". International Boxing Association. 13 July 2011. Retrieved 6 November 2011.
  18. "A fast victory for Brown". International Boxing Association. 28 September 2011. Retrieved 6 November 2011.
  19. AFP (2 October 2011). "Japan's Murata stuns defending champion". The Times of India. Retrieved 6 November 2011.
  20. "Teymur Mammadov triumphs in Baku". International Boxing Association. 3 October 2011. Retrieved 6 November 2011.
  21. Sapa-AFP (4 October 2011). "Aussie eliminates India's Kumar". SuperSport. Retrieved 6 November 2011.
  22. Boxing Beat editorial department (15 October 2011). MACC Publications Inc (ed.). 村田が銀 & 五輪切符獲得. Ironman. Boxing Beat (in Japanese). Tokyo, Japan: Fitness Sports Co., Ltd. (special issue): 109. ASIN B005T5W52C.CS1 maint: ref=harv (link)
  23. "And then there was one as Nevin advances". The Irish Times. 6 October 2011. Retrieved 6 November 2011.
  24. AFP (8 October 2011). "Ukraine dominate AIBA event's semi-finals". Dawn. Retrieved 6 November 2011.
  25. "Olympics-Men's boxing middleweight last 16 results". Reuters. 2 August 2012. Retrieved 5 August 2012.
  26. "Olympics-Men's boxing middleweight quarter-finals results". Reuters. 6 August 2012. Retrieved 6 August 2012.
  27. Jake Donovan (10 August 2012). "Olympics Men's Middleweight Semifinals Live Results". BoxingScene.com. Retrieved 16 August 2012.
  28. "Olympics-Men's boxing Middleweight Final". Official London 2012 website. 12 August 2012. Archived from the original on 13 August 2012. Retrieved 12 August 2012.
  29. Patrick Johnston (6 August 2012). "Brazil wait 42 years for a medal then two arrive". Reuters. Retrieved 16 August 2012.
  30. Joe Koizumi (August 11, 2012). "Remembering Olympic medalists out of Japan". Fightnews.com. Archived from the original on November 25, 2012. Retrieved August 16, 2012.
  31. Jake Donovan (11 August 2012). "Ryota Murata Captures Middleweight Gold For Japan". BoxingScene.com. Retrieved 16 August 2012.
  32. 村田で金100人目　メダル総獲得数400個. Nikkan Sports (in Japanese). 13 August 2012. Retrieved 16 August 2012.
  33. Associated Press (11 August 2012). "Ryota Murata wins Japan's 2nd-ever boxing gold medal, edging Brazil's Esquiva Falcao". The Washington Post. Retrieved 16 August 2012.
  34. EFE (18 August 2012). "Brazil wants Olympic boxing decision reviewed". Fox News Latino. Retrieved 18 August 2012.
  35. Associated Press (August 22, 2012). "Brazil says request to review Olympic final against Murata denied". Asahi Shimbun. Archived from the original on January 17, 2013. Retrieved August 22, 2012.
  36. Joe Koizumi (25 August 2013). "Olympic Gold Medalist Murata halts OPBF Champ Shibata in pro debut". Fightnews.com. Retrieved 31 August 2013.
  37. 三迫会長　村田デビューは「夏でもいい」「重い責任感じる」. Sports Nippon (in Japanese). 12 April 2013. Retrieved 3 July 2013.
  38. Miguel Maravilla (11 June 2013). "Murata: I want to become world champion and leave my name as one of the legends in boxing". fightnews.com. Retrieved 3 July 2013.
  39. 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. Sports Nippon (in Japanese). 11 June 2013. Retrieved 3 July 2013.
  40. 引退勧告を受けた村田、プロ転向示唆. Daily Sports (in Japanese). 3 February 2013. Retrieved 3 July 2013.
  41. ボクシング「村田ルール」7・1スタート. Nikkan Sports (in Japanese). 28 June 2012. Retrieved 3 July 2013.
  42. 村田、プロ正式表明!　アマ山根会長に直談判. Sports Hochi (in Japanese). 3 February 2013. Archived from the original on 3 February 2013. Retrieved 3 July 2013.
  43. プロボクサーテスト合格発表 (PDF) (in Japanese). Japan Boxing Commission. April 2013. Retrieved 4 July 2013.
  44. "村田、8月にプロデビュー=OPBF王者柴田と対戦" (in Japanese). Jiji Press. 3 July 2013. Retrieved 3 July 2013.
  45. "Murata, Reed, Marriaga, Kavaliauskas Win in Vegas". BoxingScene.com.
  46. "Ryota Murata Faces Gaston Alejandro on 1/30 in Shanghai". BoxingScene.com.
  47. "N'Dam keeps title with a split decision vs. Murata". ESPN.com. 20 May 2017.
  48. "N'Dam-Murata judges suspended over scoring". ESPN.com. 26 May 2017.
  49. "Boxing-WBA order rematch of N'Dam-Murata title fight". Eurosport. 21 May 2017. Retrieved 21 May 2017.
  50. "Ryota Murata vs. Hassan N'Dam Rematch on October 22". 3 August 2017. Retrieved 3 August 2017.
  51. Stumberg, Patrick L. (22 October 2017). "Murata stops N'Dam in rematch". Bad Left Hook.
  52. Nagatsuka, Kaz (22 October 2017). "Ryota Murata beats Hassan N'Dam in rematch to claim WBA middleweight world title". The Japan Times.
  53. "Murata KOs Blandamura in one-sided defense". ESPN.com. 15 April 2018.
  54. Christ, Scott (21 October 2018). "Murata vs Brant results: Rob Brant dominates Ryota Murata, wins decision". Bad Left Hook.
  55. "Rob Brant vs. Ryota Murata Rematch Finalized For July 12". BoxingScene.com.
  56. "Ryota Murata shines in TKO of Rob Brant. Now what?". ESPN.com. 12 July 2019.
  57. "Ryota Murata Drops, Stops Steven Butler In Five Rounds". BoxingScene.com. Retrieved 23 December 2019.
  58. Christ, Scott (23 December 2019). "Ryota Murata puts Steven Butler away in fifth round to retain WBA belt". Bad Left Hook. Retrieved 23 December 2019.
  59. 村田は変わった!　家族の存在で"ポジティブ"に. Sports Nippon (in Japanese). 8 August 2012. Retrieved 22 August 2012.

Video references
  1. Boxing Men's Middle (75kg) - Gold Medal Final - Brazil v Japan Full Replay - London 2012 Olympics (YouTube video). IOC. 11 August 2012. Retrieved 16 August 2012.
  2. Boxing Men's Middle (75kg) Finals Bout - Japan GOLD - London 2012 Olympic Games Highlights (YouTube video). IOC. 12 August 2012. Retrieved 16 August 2012.
Sporting positions
World boxing titles
Preceded by
Hassan N'Dam N'Jikam		 WBA middleweight champion
Regular title
22 October 2017 – 20 October 2018		 Succeeded by
Rob Brant
Preceded by
Rob Brant		 WBA middleweight champion
Regular title
12 July 2019 – present		 Incumbent
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