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Fight Preview

Rene Santiago vs Masataka Taniguchi

April 3, 2026

Professional boxing profile photo of Rene Santiago

Rene Santiago

Record: 15 wins, 4 losses, 0 draws

Puerto Rico

Professional boxing profile photo of Masataka Taniguchi

Masataka Taniguchi

Record: 21 wins, 5 losses, 0 draws

Japan

The Gym Rat

The Gym Rat's Prediction

Pick

Rene Santiago

Method

Points Decision

Reasoning

Taniguchi has a slight advantage in punching power in this matchup, but that has mainly been in the minimum weight division. Here, he faces a champion in tremendous form since he started fighting in Japan. Wins over Shokichi Iwata and Kyosuke Takami, both at Kokugikan have led the Puerto Rican to becoming a unified champion and in the argument as the best light flyweight on the planet. Taniguchi certainly has a great chance to become a two-weight world champion in this fight, but I believe Santiago will take a unanimous decision to retain his titles.

Fight Details

Fight

Rene Santiago vs Masataka Taniguchi

Date & Time

Friday, April 3rd, 2026

Championship

WBA & WBO World Light Flyweight Titles

Venue

Korakuen Hall, Tokyo, Japan

How to Watch

U-next & ESPN Knockout

Promoter

Treasure Boxing Promotion

Betting Odds

Provided by DraftKings · American odds

Rene Santiago
-380
Masataka Taniguchi
+280

Odds subject to change. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER

Undercard

Yukinori Oguni VS Marlon Tapales
Tsukuru Midorikawa VS Hisashi Kato
Shinobu Charlie Hosokawa VS Ryusei Kurobe
Kenshin Ogami VS Jonathan Galetto

Recent Fight History

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