Is Ryota Murata targeting Miguel Cotto?

A recent story from Japan seemed to speculate that Ryota Murata (4-0, 4) maybe fighting for a world title sooner than expected.

Currently ranked #13 by the WBC the article in questioned seemed to suggest that Murata would have eyes on the WBC Middleweight title, a title currently held by Puerto Rican star Miguel Cotto (39-4, 32).

At the moment we know that fight won't be taking place this year though the speculation is that Murata will be aiming for that title and could be fighting for it early next year. 

Prior to any possible title challenge we know Murata be appearing on a show in Singapore, like in September, and then a show in Japan before the end of the year. Details of both of these fights are scarce at the moment though we're hoping details will emerge in the next week or two, one bit of speculation however is that the fight in Japan could be his last bout in his homeland, at least for the foreseeable future. 

A bout with Cotto may seem far fetched at the moment but it's a fight that could make a lot of sense for both men. Murata would feel confident of beating the Puerto Rican due to a significant natural size advantage whilst Cotto would likely feel he has the skills and experience to over-come the Japanese fighter. As for venue the fight would be big either in Macau, New York or Las Vegas and each of those venues would likely throw money at the fight and PPV money, international TV rights and various sponsors would be happy to put money in to the pot.

We'd expect to see Cotto defending his belt at least once before then and in all honesty there is no guarantee that he'll even make a successful defence. If he can then this fight would become a real possibility for the middle of next year depending on the confidence of Murata and his handlers who would likely see it as really big opportunity.

(Image courtesy of http://www.misakogym.jp)

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