WBC super flyweight title holder Masamori Tokuyama on Wednesday returned his champion's belt and indicated he will retire unless he gets a crack at WBC bantamweight champion Hozumi Hasegawa.
The Japan Boxing Commission informed the WBC of the move after receiving notice from the chief of Tokuyama's Kanazawa Gym, Hideo Kanazawa, the same day.
It is the first time a reigning champion has returned his belt in Japanese boxing since Yutaka Niida retired without attempting to defend his world crown after beating Chana Porpaoin of Thailand in 2001.
"It is six years since I became champion and I am proud that I am in this position but there is nothing left for me to prove at super flyweight," said Tokuyama.