By Jake Donovan

One month after watching his super flyweight title reign come to an end, Yota Sato has decided to also end his days as a prize fighter.

The 29-year old announced his retirement Thursday afternoon in his native Tokyo.

If he sticks to his guns, then Sato leaves the sport with a record 26-3-1 (12KO) that included a stay of more than a year at the top of the super flyweight division. The Tokyo native was a fixture at Korakuen Hall, a venue that hosted all but six of his 30 pro fights including his pro debut, ironically a loss.

His last fight at the arena also ignited his title reign, scoring a close but clear points win over Suriyan Sor Rungvisai in March '12 in his first major title fight. Sato's stay as champion lasted just over 14 months. 

However, the reign - and presumably his career -  ended on the road when he was dominated by Sisraket Sor Rungvisai (no relation to Suriyan, their ring surnames simply an adopted honoring of their boxing gym in Thailand) en route to an 8th round stoppage loss in Thailand this past May. 

The bout was his lone trip outside of his native Japan. 

His title winning effort last March came amidst a career-best year in 2012, one that ended with an impressive 12-round points win over then-unbeaten Ryo Akaho last New Year's Eve in Tokyo. 

Jake Donovan is the Managing Editor of Boxingscene.com, as well as a member of Transnational Boxing Ratings Board, Yahoo Boxing Ratings Panel and the Boxing Writers Association of America. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox