Taniguchi, The Ring's No. 9-rated junior flyweight contender, challenges in-form WBA and WBO ruler Rene Santiago at the famed Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, Japan with revenge very much on his mind.

"This fight is not only about becoming a two-division champion, but also changing my life for the better," Taniguchi (21-5, 15 KOs) told The Ring.

"Japan's top two junior flyweights [Shokichi Iwata, Kyosuke Takami] have already been defeated, so I want to win this fight and prove Japanese fighters are strong."

The 32-year-old was suitably impressed by the Puerto Rican's wins last year over his countrymen.

"In the fights against Iwata and Takami, I felt that he did not use exactly the same strategy, but made slight adjustments," he said. "My impression was that he executed his game plan perfectly against those two very tough opponents.

"He is very good at picking up points, and can fight effectively at both close range and long distance. He adapts well depending on the situation in the ring, has excellent stamina, and I see him as a truly outstanding champion."

Meanwhile, Taniguchi is on a two-fight win streak since narrowly losing a 12-round split decision to future IBF 108-pound titlist Thanongsak Simsri in December 2024. In his most recent outing, the Japanese fighter impressively stopped Takeru Inoue in five rounds to win the vacant Japanese and regional 108-pound titles on August 3.

"Although he did not have a long professional career, he had an extensive amateur background and had won national tournaments, so I was very cautious," he said when reflecting on his last outing.

"However, I was able to execute my game plan exactly as planned and show the difference in ability [of a seasoned fighter] against a promising young fighter, giving me tremendous confidence."

All of which he brings into this encounter, remaining in an upbeat mood before another world title challenge.

"If I win this major fight, I am certain my boxing career and life afterward will become even more extraordinary," he said, before pointing out the potential opportunity for revenge against Simsri.

"In addition, Iwata won the WBC title on March 15 so a fight with him is also a possibility. There are many bright opportunities ahead, I am not thinking about losing at all."