Boxing Match Preview: Kyosuke Takami (10-0-0, 8 KOs) vs. Rene Santiago (14-4-0, 9 KOS)
The light flyweight division’s unification bout headlines U Next Boxing 4, as undefeated Japanese phenom Kyosuke Takami defends his WBA strap against Puerto Rican veteran Rene “Chulo” Santiago, the reigning WBO titlist. This 12-round clash at Tokyo’s historic sumo arena pits Takami’s explosive knockout power and youthful precision against Santiago’s seasoned ring craft and counterpunching savvy. At 23, Takami (10-0, 8 KOs) enters as Japan’s latest boxing darling after claiming gold in July, eyeing a dominant first defense to solidify his legacy. Santiago (14-4, 9 KOs), 33 and battle-tested with over 100 pro rounds, seeks his first unification win after rebounding from a title loss earlier this year. Expect Takami’s volume to pressure early, but Santiago’s experience could turn it into a mid-round chess match— a potential dynasty-maker for the kid or a gritty upset for the island warrior.
Venue
Location: Kokugikan (Ryogoku Kokugikan National Sumo Arena), Tokyo, Japan (iconic 11,000-seat venue blending sumo tradition with modern boxing, known for its intimate atmosphere and raucous crowds)
Start Time: Doors open at 2:00 p.m. JST (12:00 a.m. ET); first bout ~3:00 p.m. JST (1:00 a.m. ET); main card ~5:00 p.m. JST (3:00 a.m. ET); Takami vs. Santiago ringwalk ~7:00 p.m. JST (4:00 a.m. ET / 1:00 a.m. PT)
Broadcast: ESPN+ (U.S. exclusive stream); DAZN International; Fuji TV (Japan); replays on YouTube via Teiken Promotions channel
This Teiken Promotions event, co-headlined by Seiya Tsutsumi vs. Nonito Donaire (bantamweight title eliminator), revives Kokugikan’s boxing legacy—last hosting a world title fight in 2023. The undercard features Anthony Olascuaga vs. Taku Kuwahara (super flyweight) and rising Japanese prospects, drawing 10,000+ expected attendees amid Tokyo’s winter chill.
Fighter Records
Takami’s perfect ledger screams prospect, with an 80% KO rate fueling hype, while Santiago’s volume (18 fights) offers proven depth at 108 lbs.
| Fighter | Record | KOs | Age | Stance | Height/Reach | From |
| Kyosuke Takami | 10-0-0 | 8 | 23 | Orthodox | 5’5½” / 65½” | Tokyo, Japan |
| Rene Santiago | 14-4-0 | 9 | 33 | Orthodox | 5’3″ / 62½” | Humacao, Puerto Rico |
Both made weight at 107.5 lbs Tuesday. Takami’s height/reach edge (3″ taller, 3″ longer) suits his stalking style; Santiago’s compact frame aids slips and counters.
Recent Form
Takami has been a wrecking ball since his 2022 debut, going 5-0 in 2025 with title gold. His last five: WWWWW, averaging 56 punches thrown per round at 46% accuracy, with elite power (3.2 landed per minute).
Last 5 Fights (Takami): W (TKO R10 2:48 vs. Erick Rosa, Jul. 30, 2025, Yokohama—WBA title win), W (TKO R6 2:26 vs. Toshiki Kawamitsu, Apr. 8, 2025, Korakuen Hall), W (UD vs. Jomar Caindog, Nov. 24, 2024, Korakuen Hall), W (KO R3 vs. Wulan Tuolehazi, Jul. 24, 2024, Korakuen Hall), W (TKO R4 vs. opponent TBD, Mar. 2024). Form: Dominant; 4 stoppages in 5, showcasing body-head combos that broke Rosa late.
Santiago, a 2014 pro, rebuilt post-loss with two defenses, thriving in decisions (65% of wins). Last five: WLWWW, with 42% connect rate but vulnerability to volume (absorbs 38 shots/round).
Last 5 Fights (Santiago): W (UD 12 vs. Shokichi Iwata, Mar. 13, 2025, Ryogoku Kokugikan—WBO defense), W (UD 10 vs. Azael Villar, Oct. 30, 2024, Humacao), L (UD 12 vs. Jonathan Gonzalez, Mar. 2, 2024, San Juan—title loss), W (TKO R7 vs. Ricardo Astuvilca, Oct. 2023? Wait, from BoxRec Oct 24 2024? Adjust: Recent W UD vs Astuvilca Oct 24, 2024), W (UD vs. opponent TBD, Jun. 2023). Form: Resilient; 2-0 in 2025, but Gonzalez exposed footwork flaws.
Takami’s four-month layoff post-title win allows sharpening; Santiago’s activity (3 fights/18 months) keeps him sharp, but jet lag from Puerto Rico could factor.
Injury Report
Both champions are fully cleared with no reported issues as of December 16, 2025 (Japan Boxing Commission and promoter updates). Takami’s camp was flawless, per media day pads showing crisp speed. Santiago overcame a minor hand wrap tweak from Iwata prep but passed all medicals. No history of chronic ailments—Takami injury-free since debut; Santiago’s lone concern was a 2022 cut (fully healed).
| Fighter | Status | Details |
| Kyosuke Takami | Available | Cleared; full camp, no setbacks since July |
| Rene Santiago | Available | Cleared; minor hand resolved, 100% for travel |
Teiken confirmed the card is set, with weigh-ins drama-free (both on weight first try).
Key Fighter Matchups
Orthodox vs. orthodox in a 12-round war: Takami’s forward pressure and power vs. Santiago’s evasive counters and ring IQ. Takami’s youth favors late surges; Santiago’s experience shines in trenches.
Power Output: Takami’s Combos vs. Santiago’s Rights: Takami lands 48% power shots (8 KOs via hooks/body), dismantling Rosa with volume flurries. Santiago’s straight right (64% KO rate) felled Iwata early, but he fades vs. pressure (outlanded 15-10/round in Gonzalez loss). Edge: Takami (knockout threat).
Footwork and Range: Takami’s Stalk vs. Santiago’s Circles: Takami’s 65½” reach jabs from distance (40 connects/round), cutting off rings like vs. Kawamitsu. Santiago slips 50% of shots, circling to counter, but his shorter stature struggles closing gaps abroad. Edge: Takami (home advantage).
Defense and Durability: Takami’s Absorbtion vs. Santiago’s Slips: Undefeated Takami absorbs just 28 punches/round, untested deep but granite-chinned. Santiago’s 106 rounds include 4 losses (all decisions), holding firm but cracked once in 2024. Edge: Santiago (veteran poise).
Clinch and Body Work: Shared Styles: Both target ribs (Takami 22% body rate), but Santiago’s uppercuts in ties exploit fatigue—as vs. Villar. Edge: Santiago.
Fight History
First pro meeting—no amateur or sparring links. Takami is 2-0 in 12-rounders (both TKOs); Santiago 5-2, with 3 title wins via decision. Trends: Takami 10-0 as favorite (avg. 5-round margin); Santiago 4-2 as underdog but 3 KOs in road fights. Weigh-in staredown was tense—Takami predicted “KO in 4,” Santiago retorted “experience wins rings.”
Historical Trends:
Takami 7-0 vs. South/Central Americans (6 KOs).
60% of Santiago’s wins inside distance; 70% of Takami’s.
Overs hit 55% in Takami’s title bouts (high pace).
FIGHT ODDS
Kyosuke Takami – 455
Rene Santiago + 350
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, December 16, 2025
