Ryota Murata was promoted to World Boxing Association (WBA) Super Champion in the Middleweight division by a resolution of the Championships Committee, issued on January 5, 2021.

Murata, who was the 160-pound champion since July 2019 when he defeated Rob Brant in a rematch, has an exceptional career and is one of the best Japanese fighters today.

Based on rule C.18, which states that the President and the Championships Committee may recognize a fighter as a Super Champion under special circumstances, the WBA considers Murata’s career and record as a meritorious circumstance for the appointment.

Murata’s appointment will not generate too many changes in the rankings and it is done to give dynamism and activity to the division. The only relevant change is that Murata’s 9-month mandatory defense period will be extended to 18 months.

Murata, who is 34 years old, has a record of 16 wins, 2 losses, and 13 KOs in his professional career.