June 8, 2006
TOKYO (AFP) - World Boxing Association (WBA) minimumweight champion Yutaka Niida of Japan will take on compatriot Katsunari Takayama in September, his handlers said Thursday.
It will be Niida's fifth defence of the title he wrested from Noel Arambulet of Venezuela in July 2004.
Niida previously won the title by beating Thailand's Chana Porpaoin in August 2001, but failed to defend it on that occasion.
"I couldn't show my best performance in my previous title match, so I really want to fight a convincing fight this time. I cannot afford to lose to Takayama. I'm determined to beat him," said Niida, 27.
Takayama said: "He's been a target since I made a debut. I'd like to thank him for giving me the chance to become the world champion again," said Takayama, 23, former World Boxing Council strawweight champion.
Niida stands with 20 wins, including eight KOs, against one defeat and three draws, while Takayama, ranked fifth in the WBA, has 17 wins, including seven KOs, against two defeats.