BOXING: BRANT DETHRONES MURATA IN VEGAS

Robert “Bravo” Brant (24-1, 16 KO’s) of Oakdale, MN dethroned WBA middleweight champion Ryota Murata (14-2, 11 KO’s) of Japan on Saturday night in Las Vegas, Nevada. It was a masterful performance turned in by the Minnesotan as he threw an astonishing 1262 punches while landing 356. Brant started fast and was in control throughout the entire fight. Murata attempted to rally with power shots, but Brant continuously had an answer with head-snapping combinations. By the end of the fight, Murata’s face was bloody and swollen. The judges scored the fight for Brant unanimously with scores of 118-110, 119-109, 119-109-9.

Retired former Minnesota State Jr. middle weight champion Corey Rodriguez pointed out the the keys to the big win for Brant.

“He used a lot of great fundamentals; busy body with in your face punches, great lateral movement while never being a still target, great conditioning as he never got tired or took any rounds off during the fight, counter punching whenever possible, and always finishing the exchange.”