Former World Boxing Association minimumweight champion Yutaka Niida has decided to come out of retirement after a year away from the ring, boxing sources said Wednesday.
Niida secured an upset over Thai champion Chana Porpaoin with a unanimous verdict in his first shot at a world title in August last year.
The 24-year-old then announced his decision to quit the sport without making a defense of his belt in October that year, saying he was "99 percent" certain he would not return to the ring.
But Niida, unbeaten in 17 fights as a pro, appears to have had a change of heart and could begin his comeback next April.