The 34-year-old, who won the unified titles during an impressive 3-0 run in Japan, is nearing full fitness again.

"I went through a difficult period with my left elbow, but took the time I needed to recover properly," Santiago (16-4, 9 KOs) told The Ring. "I underwent treatment, physical therapy, and worked closely with my medical team throughout the process.

"Today, I feel much better, and am focused on getting back to 100 percent physically. After everything I have accomplished in boxing, I understand the importance of taking care of my body. My goal is not just to return, but in the best possible condition."

Santiago, The Ring's No. 2 junior flyweight, admits retirement crossed his mind during the darkest of times.

"When you have been in boxing for more than 20 years, you experience moments that test you both physically and mentally," he explained. "The injury was one of those moments. There were times when I had to sit down, reflect, and ask myself some difficult questions about my future in the sport.

"But I never allowed that situation to define me. Boxing has been my life since I was a young kid from Punta Santiago, Humacao. I have sacrificed so much to reach the top, and becoming a world champion was a dream that I worked my entire life to achieve.

"I leaned on my family, my team, my faith in God, and the people who have always supported me. Those difficult moments reminded me why I started boxing in the first place. I have not forgotten the feeling of becoming a world champion, and still have goals I want to accomplish."

During his time on the sidelines, the division has seen several changes.

Notably, IBF ruler Thanongsak Simri scored a pair of second-round knockouts over Sergio Mendoza and Mark Vicelles. Mendoza has since won the WBA/WBC flyweight titles, while Kira claimed the vacant WBA crown with a seventh-round stoppage of Carlos Canizales as Santiago was elevated to 'champion in recess'.

Since Santiago outpointed him in March 2025, Shokichi Iwata has rebounded in style. He's riding a three-fight win streak, most recently stopping previously-unbeaten Erik Badillo in the first defense of his WBC crown.

Santiago has been watching from afar and paid close attention to everything.

"These fighters have had a great year, and I respect what each and every one of them has accomplished," he said. "But let me make one thing clear: I have challenged every single world champion in this division. I have never been afraid of anyone, and that will never change. In 2027, I am coming for everyone.

"Every champion has a target on his back, and right now, I am putting each of them on notice. When Rene “El Chulo” Santiago returns, the entire division will know exactly who is coming."

The working plan calls for Santiago to return early next year.

"I am back in training, taking things step-by-step," he said. "The most important thing is making sure that my body is ready and I can return at the level I expect from myself.

"I have spent a lot of time away from the ring, but my passion for boxing has never disappeared. I still have that same hunger, discipline and desire."

His promoter, Tuto Zabala of All Star Promotions, thinks positively of Santiago's break and believes it will benefit him in the long run.

"He hasn't fought since April but did three fights in one year, which is a lot of work and training camps. The injury probably came from that and the rest is going to help him be better and come back stronger," Zabala said.

"I don't think he has had too much time out, nowadays champions fight once a year, so I think we're good. He did what not many champions are doing, fighting three big fights in a year. We're looking for the best fight, a unification or optional defense. We have two or three things on the table and expect a return in early January."