"I've never been 40 before, so it will be a new feeling for me," the Kazakh boxer, holder of the IBF belt, said in a press conference.
"GGG" Golovkin (41-1-1, including 36 by KO) can hope for a third clash against his great rival Saul "Canelo" Alvarez if he overcomes Murata (16-2), aged 36 .
He promised a "great fight" against the Japanese, gold medalist at the 2012 Olympics: "We had a lot of time to prepare for this fight, so I think we will both be in very good condition", estimated the Kazakh.
Saturday's fight was originally scheduled for December but was postponed due to coronavirus travel restrictions.
"GGG" has not fought since December 2020 and the defense of his belt against the Pole Kamil Szeremeta.
As for Murata, it dates back to December 2019. The Japanese had been promoted to "super" WBA champion the following year due to Alvarez's move to the top category.
© 2022 AFP