Robert James Brant Vs. Ryōta Murata II

I can't see Murata making enough adjustments at this stage of his career to beat Brant who really dominated him in the first fight. Even with the home soil advantage i would pick Brant by UD.

 

Brandt is just so active for a MW and he moves well. He threw over 1200 punches in the 1st fight. Murata just couldn't do anything, he's kind of plodding and Brandt just kept punching and moving from round 1 to 12. I was surprised how one sided the fight was. Murata seems to need a guy that's fairly stationary where he can just walk forward and throw big shots. I've always thought he and Lemieux would be a really fun fight. It's a shame David can't make 160, because he's a midget at 168.

 

Love Murata but can’t see him pulling this one off. He would have to drastically change his game plan and be a bit more active in the ring for it to be somewhat competitive. He does seem more focused now though so anything can happen I guess.

 

Was very disappointed in Murata when they fought as I didn't appreciate how one dimensional he was and how solid Brant is. Didn't see it coming. And I don't see anything that should change the outcome.

 

While it seems like it should just be a repeat of the first fight, I wouldn't count out Murata again just yet. He's had 9 months to prepare and focus purely on getting revenge on Brant and, while he definitely got outhustled the first go around, he knows what's coming this time. Brant performing like that took most boxing people by surprise, and I'm sure Murata was one of them. Rob's not sneaking up on anyone this time around.

Does that mean Murata'll win? Not necessarily, but I could see it. Regardless, I expect a much closer fight this time around. I see more room for improvement from his perspective than for Brant, who really did fight a fine fight the first go around. If it's just a repeat (or worse) of the first fight, that's pretty much a career ender for him...

 

Brant wins fairly comfortably in my opinion.

As said above, I can't see what Murata can do differently this time, he might try something new though but at this stage of his career and his recent form I just can't see him doing something that dramatic.

You never know, Brant might take his eye off the ball so to speak, he might get a little over confident, being away from home might cause him some upset.. I think that's about Murata's best chance and that all depends on Brant and not him.

 

Was shocked at how poor Murata's defense was. He seemed unable to adjust to Brant's movement. Murata can win the rematch ONLY if he tightens his defense significantly and is less plodding. He seemed too content on showing Brant that he could take his punches without countering in any meaningful way. Murata must counter effectively. If Murata does these things I could see him stopping Brant.

 

Maybe it's just blind hope and optimism but I think Murata grinds out a win this time around. Had Brant winning the first clearly obviously but not as wide as some did.

 

Brant slaps him around again.

 

Suspect it goes the same way. Murata is unlikely to change it up at this stage.

I was really impressed by Brant in that fight though. Didn't think he had it in him. Murata, ok sure he isn't amazing but is a solid enough fighter.

 

I don't know.
The problems Murata had were plentiful, but also easily fixable.
Murata likes to work behind that high guard of his. Which means little head movement and only attacking after the opponents has finished their offense. The issue here is that Brant's high work rate kept Murata stuck in that high guard. Brant's biggest weapon being the jab, which he would alternate from a single jab to a triple, a left hook or a body jab.
A simple step back could easily disrupt that rhythm of Brant's lead hand. Of course Murata can't rely on a single move for 12 rounds so a little more creativity must be applied. Some head movement would be a nice touch.

The second big problem Murata faces is the footwork. Brant was always moving off the line. Constantly on the defensive. All Murata did was follow him along. Brant had footwork and Murata had none. A small step to either side would give Murata a lot of room to work.