Top Japanese boxer Takashi Uchiyama is preparing to take the ring on New Year's Eve for the sixth consecutive year next month.

But this time, unlike the previous occasions, he's stepping onto the canvas without anything shiny draped over his shoulder.

The former WBA super featherweight champion will square off against Jezreel Corrales, who snatched the belt the Japanese had retained for six years earlier this year, on December 31 at Tokyo's Ota City General Gymnasium.