October 19, 2001
TOKYO, JAPAN-Unbeaten newly crowned WBA 105-pound champion Yutaka Niida, only 23, astoundingly announced to hang up gloves for good.
Niida, 14-0-3, 7 KOs, thus became the first out of our 45 world champs ever produced here in Japan that retired undefeated without a single defense. Niida says his perennial lumbago has forced himself to give up defending his title he captured by beating Thailander Chana Porpoin on points last August.
Mitsunori Seki, his manager and ex-world top feather contender, attempted to persuade him to change his mind, but in vain. The stubborn youngster wishes to open a jewelry shop after his retirement.
The vacant throne will be reportedly disputed by ex-champs Keitaro Hoshino of Japan and Filipino Joma Gamboa this coming January with the winner to face the WBA top contender Noel Arambulet of Venezuela.
(10-19-01)