Gennady Golovkin vs Ryota Murata LIVE REACTION: Stream, TV channel, full card updates for HUGE middleweight bout

Money shot

The fight-ending punch.

Golovkin praises Murata

After the win, Golovkin expressed his "respect" for Murata on Twitter.

The 40-year-old has also given his robe to his opponent.

Yes he Can: Golovkin to face Canelo?

Chinks started to show in Gennady Golovkin's armour DESPITE securing a ninth-round knockout against Ryota Murata.

The 40-year-old's IBF world middleweight title was on the line, but as was Murata's WBA belt.

Murata was aggressive and Golovkin, who looked leggy at times, couldn't get going.

But the momentum changed in round six after Golovkin knocked Murata's gumshield out of his mouth with a vicious overhand right.

Golovkin's second wind kicked in.

The shot rocked Murata, who found himself backed up against the ropes.

As the rounds went on, Golovkin could see victory was near and upped the intensity, knowing his opponent couldn't keep up.

And in round nine, the 42-1-1 big draw finished the fight with a right hand, knocking Murata to the floor.

Murata's corner threw the towel in to get their fighter out of there before more damage was done.

The win potentially sets up a trilogy fight with legendary rival Canelo Alvarez.

The first time the two met in 2017, the unified WBA, WBC, IBF, IBO, Ring magazine, and lineal middleweight title fight ended a draw.

But in 2018, Mexican Canelo handed Golovkin his first loss of his professional boxing career.

Golovkin stops Murata in Round Nine

Golovkin started the fight slow and it was Murata who controlled the early rounds.

But the momentum changed in round six and Golovkin - who looked leggy early on - started to dominate.

Murata simply gassed out and Golovkin's speed was too much for him.

A big right hand in Round Nine secured the WBA belt for the 40-year-old.

Golovkin vs Murata - Round Eight

Golovkin has Murata up against the ropes and is landing some powerful punches.

He lands a good right hand and then follows it up with a left hook.

No response by Murata.

Golovkin vs Murata - Round Seven

The body language of Murata is noticeably different.

Golovkin is having great success with some overhand punches.

Triple G's second wind has kicked in and his intensity is wearing Murata down.

Golovkin vs Murata - Round Six

Golovkin KNOCKS the gumshield out of Murata's mouth with an overhand right and the referee stops the fight.

Murata is on the back foot at the moment.

He has no response to Golovkin's speed.

It's almost as if the pair have traded places and it's Golovkin's turn to take control.

Very dominant round from Triple G.

Golovkin vs Murata - Round Five

Golovkin is unloading on Murata in Round Five.

The 40-year-old is using his jab well and looks in the fight for the first time today.

He lands an uppercut before capping off the swift move with a left hook.

Much stronger round from Golovkin.

Golovkin vs Murata - Round Four

Golovkin puts together a nice combination.

He lands a body shot before following it up with a left hook.

Murata is weathering Golovkin's Fourth Round storm at the moment.

WBA title holder Murata ends the round strong with a few good punches.

Golovkin still looking a bit tired.

Golovkin vs Murata - Round Three

Golovkin, who's undoubtedly annoyed with his start, tries to land a nice combination.

The IBF title holder lands a body shot and then follow it up with an uppercut.

However, his punches aren't troubling Murata as the moment.

Golovkin looks a bit leggy.

Murata lands a nice one-two to Golovkin's body.

Golovkin vs Murata - Round Two

Golovkin comes out fighting at the start of Round Two.

The 40-year-old is managing to get up close and personal with Murata.

The pair exchange some punches in the middle of the ring.

Murata seems to be targeting Golovkin's body.

Golovkin lands a good left hook with a minute to go but Murata stands strong.

Golovkin vs Murata - Round One

Murata starts Round One well.

The Japan fighter is using his significant reach advantage, keeping Golovkin at distance.

It has been a really impressive start by Murata, who lands a good hook to the body.

Golovkin is trying to settle but his opponent isn't letting him.

Golovkin makes his way to the ring

Here he is. Gennady Golovkin is making his way to the ring.

The 40-year-old is looking to snatch the WBA title from Murata to go alongside his IBF belt.

Golovkin only has one loss to his name and that came against the great Canelo Alvarez back in 2018.

If Golovkin gets through today's fight, will he look to call out Canelo?

He has one draw and one loss against the Mexican.

Stick around to find out.

Golovkin vs Murata next

The WBA and IBF world middleweight title fight between Gennady Golovkin and home favourite Ryoto Murata is up NEXT.

Golovkin has only ever lost ONE bout in his 43-fight career.

The loss came to the legendary Canelo Alvarez back in 2018.

Murata has just two losses to his name but has considerably less fights under his belt.

The Nara-born fighter only has 18 fights to his name.

Nearly 40,000 people will be inside the Super Arena for this mega fight!

'Most important fight'

Gennady Golovkin has insisted that taking on Ryoto Murata "is the most important fight."

He said: "Murata is the most important fight. Period. I do not look ahead.

“I have been fully invested in training for the fight I have in front of me. I have too much respect for Murata and his body of work.

My focus is on him and winning his title. That is why I am in Japan. I look forward to fighting in a packed arena. I have missed that energy.

“It is going to be exciting because we both have similar styles of fighting.

"We are both power punchers, we are aggressive, and we come forward.

"Diamonds cut diamonds and on Saturday, there will be two diamonds in the ring.

"It will be a boxing gift to the fans. I expect it to be the fight of the year."

Title defence

Shuichiro Yoshino defended his lightweight titles against Masayuki Ito.

And Junto Nakatani made light work of challenger Ryota Yamauchi, stopping him in Round Eight.

Nakantani defends his WBO flyweight title and also made it SIX knockout victories in a row.