Boxing Match Preview: Anthony Olascuaga (10-1-0, 7 KOs) vs. Taku Kuwahara (14-2-0, 9 KOs)
The undercard of U Next Boxing 4 delivers a high-stakes WBO flyweight title defense as reigning champion Anthony “Princesa” Olascuaga faces Japanese contender Taku Kuwahara in a 12-round war that could propel the winner toward multi-belt glory. At 26, the Los Angeles native Olascuaga (10-1, 7 KOs) makes his fourth defense, building on a dominant streak since his lone 2021 loss, with his compact power and ring-cutting IQ earning comparisons to a young Roman Gonzalez. Kuwahara (14-2, 9 KOs), a 30-year-old Yokohama speedster, steps up on short notice after challenger Jukiya Iimura’s injury withdrawal, bringing blistering hand speed and resilience honed in Japan’s pressure-cooker scene. This Tokyo tilt tests Olascuaga’s overseas mettle against Kuwahara’s home-crowd fire—expect the champ’s pressure to force errors early, but the challenger’s footwork could spark a late rally in sumo heartland.
Venue
Location: Kokugikan (Ryogoku Kokugikan National Sumo Arena), Tokyo, Japan (legendary 11,000-seat venue steeped in sumo lore, now a boxing mecca with thunderous crowds and a raised ring for intimate drama)
Start Time: Doors at 2:00 p.m. JST (1:00 a.m. ET); first bout ~3:00 p.m. JST (2:00 a.m. ET); main card ~5:00 p.m. JST (4:00 a.m. ET); Olascuaga vs. Kuwahara ringwalk ~5:30 p.m. JST (4:30 a.m. ET / 1:30 a.m. PT)
Broadcast: ESPN+ (U.S. exclusive); DAZN International; Fuji TV (Japan); post-fight replays on Teiken Promotions’ YouTube
Teiken Promotions’ stacked card—headlined by Kyosuke Takami vs. Rene Santiago (light flyweight unification) and co-main Seiya Tsutsumi vs. Nonito Donaire (bantamweight eliminator)—draws 10,000+ fans, blending title intrigue with Japanese prospect showcases like Seigo Yuri Akui vs. TBA.
Fighter Records
Olascuaga’s elite 70% KO rate underscores his threat level, while Kuwahara’s volume (16 bouts) provides depth in the 112-lb class.
| Fighter | Record | KOs | Age | Stance | Height/Reach | From |
| Anthony Olascuaga | 10-1-0 | 7 | 26 | Orthodox | 5’4″ / 65½” | Los Angeles, CA, USA |
| Taku Kuwahara | 14-2-0 | 9 | 30 | Orthodox | 5’4½” / 64½” | Yokohama, Japan |
Both hit 111.5 lbs at Tuesday’s weigh-in. Olascuaga’s slight reach edge aids stalking; Kuwahara’s experience (88 rounds) counters with savvy.
Recent Form
Olascuaga has reigned supreme since rebounding from his 2021 setback, going 9-0 with four title wins—pure dominance in 2025. Last five: WWWWW, averaging 48 punches per round at 45% accuracy, with devastating body work (2.8 landed/min).
Last 5 Fights (Olascuaga): W (TKO R2 2:33 vs. Juan Carlos Camacho-Rivera, Sep. 25, 2025, Fontainebleau Las Vegas—title defense), W (UD 12 vs. Hiroto Kyoguchi, Mar. 13, 2025, Ryogoku Kokugikan—title defense), W (TKO R1 2:25 vs. Jonathan Gonzalez, Oct. 14, 2024, Ariake Arena—title defense), W (KO R3 vs. Riku Kano, Jul. 20, 2024, Tokyo—title win), W (UD vs. opponent TBD, early 2024). Form: Unstoppable; 3 stoppages in 5, with Kyoguchi fight showcasing clinch control.
Kuwahara, a 2018 pro, notched OPBF gold but stumbled in elite company—resurgent in 2025 with technical wins. Last five: WLWWW, 41% connect rate but absorbs 35 shots/round against pressure.
Last 5 Fights (Kuwahara): W (KO R5 0:55 vs. Hamson Lamandau, Mar. 25, 2025, Korakuen Hall—OPBF defense), L (UD 12 vs. Seigo Yuri Akui, May 24, 2024, Tokyo Dome—title challenge), W (UD vs. Wulan Tuolehazi, Jul. 23, 2024, Korakuen Hall), W (TKO vs. opponent TBD, 2024), W (UD, 2023). Form: Building; KO ended a mini-slump, but Akui exposed stamina gaps.
Olascuaga’s three-month layoff post-Camacho sharpens focus; Kuwahara’s short-notice entry (replacing injured Iimura) adds rust risk, but home prep boosts him. Sims favor Olascuaga 85%, often by mid-round stoppage.
Injury Report
Both fighters cleared for action with no issues as of December 15, 2025 (Japan Boxing Commission updates). Olascuaga’s camp pristine since September TKO; Kuwahara resolved a minor shoulder tweak from March but aced medicals. Iimura’s withdrawal (undisclosed injury) opened the door—no concerns for this matchup.
| Fighter | Status | Details |
| Anthony Olascuaga | Available | Cleared; flawless prep, no history since 2021 |
| Taku Kuwahara | Available | Cleared; shoulder resolved, full steam post-March |
Teiken confirmed “green light” Tuesday, with pads showing Olascuaga’s pop and Kuwahara’s zip intact.
Key Fighter Matchups
Orthodox mirror in flyweight trenches: Olascuaga’s pressure cooker vs. Kuwahara’s hit-and-run. 12 rounds test the champ’s gas tank abroad; Kuwahara’s speed thrives in Kokugikan chaos.
Power Volume: Olascuaga’s Hooks vs. Kuwahara’s Jabs: Olascuaga connects 47% power (7 KOs via body-head), folding Camacho early. Kuwahara’s jab (39% rate) paced Lamandau KO, but power dips late (outlanded vs. Akui). Edge: Olascuaga (finishing threat).
Footwork Range: Olascuaga’s Cuts vs. Kuwahara’s Bicycles: Olascuaga’s 65½” reach herds foes (as vs. Kyoguchi), pinning to ropes. Kuwahara circles at speed (“high-speed bicycle” per Olascuaga), but short notice limits adjustments. Edge: Kuwahara (if evasive early).
Defense Durability: Olascuaga’s Absorb vs. Kuwahara’s Slips: Champ absorbs 26 punches/round, granite chin uncracked in titles. Kuwahara slips 49%, but KO loss (2022) and Akui beating highlight pressure cracks. Edge: Olascuaga.
Clinch Body: Shared Orthodox: Olascuaga’s ribs mining (20% body) wears down; Kuwahara counters in ties but tires post-Round 6. Edge: Olascuaga.
Fight History
Pro debut clash—no prior ties. Olascuaga 4-0 in 12-rounders (3 TKOs); Kuwahara 3-1, with UD loss in last title bid. Trends: Olascuaga 9-0 as champ (avg. 4-round margin); Kuwahara 5-1 as challenger but 2 KOs on U.S. foes. Olascuaga vowed “KO without doubt” at presser; Kuwahara eyes upset via boxing.
FIGHT ODDS
Anthony Olascuaga – 1000
Taku Kuwahara + 600
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, December 16, 2025
