LOS ANGELES – The circumstances around Anthony Olascuaga’s first defense of his WBO 112-pound belt against Jonathan Gonzalez in October were not ideal.

On Thursday, Olascuaga (8-1, 6 KOs) is hoping the second round of his title reign will be more definitive when he takes on former two-division champion Hiroto Kyoguchi (19-2, 12 KOs) in Tokyo as part of a world-title tripleheader on ESPN+.

“Kyoguchi was a great champion; he has experience,” Olascuaga told The Ring in an interview after a recent workout at the LA Boxing Gym before heading out to Japan.

“I know he's going to go in there and show good Mexican style boxing skills. I know it's going to be a tough fight, but I’m there to solidify my name once again as a champion. I want to put the division on notice and make a statement that I’m here to stay. I'm excited for it. I'm there to knock this guy's head off in impressive style. Maybe he can take a punch and it lasts 12 hard rounds. I just want to look impressive.”

Olascuaga, a 26-year-old from Los Angeles rated No. 7 by The Ring, evolved from a cab driver to a flyweight world champion in just eight professional fights in July when he knocked out Riku Kano in three rounds for the vacant title he now holds.

During the fight against Gonzalez, who came in as the reigning WBO 108-pound titleholder, it ended abruptly in the first round when a clash of heads cut Gonzalez’s left eye. Referee Robert Hoyle had a ringside physician inspect the injury and the doctor deemed Gonzalez was fit to continue. Moments later, Gonzalez gestured toward his eye and the fight was called off. The fight was originally ruled a No Contest but was overturned to a TKO win a week later after Olascuaga’s team filed an appeal.

“I was disappointed. I trained very hard for that fight. I went in there with a mindset that getting the victory would solidify my name as a champion. I wasn't able to do it in the right manner,” said Olascuaga.

“When I left the ring that night I thought it was a No Contest. I was very upset. I was frustrated because it was out of my control. I thought he didn't want to fight. It was a bittersweet moment. I was not content and it didn't sit well with me. But at least they got it right and I got to keep my belt.”

Olascuaga, who is coached by Rudy Hernandez and is a training stablemate of Junto Nakatani, is getting serious respect from oddsmakers as a -450 betting favorite against Kyoguchi, according to DraftKings.

Kyoguchi, a former IBF 105-pound titleholder from 2017 to 2018 and The Ring and WBA 108-pound champion from 2018 to 2022, is looking to revive his career as a three-division champion following a 3-2 run in recent years.

“I'm not a chump. I'm a hard fight for anyone. I'm a champ and I’m here to stay,” said Olascuaga. “I don't have a chip on my shoulder anymore. Kyoguchi is going to have to take the belt away from me. I’m the champ, and I feel it now. I feel sharper, stronger, and more conditioned now with my skills. I'm at a whole different level right now.

“If I win this fight, the options are limitless. If I continue to win, more opportunities will come my way. The sky’s the limit as I continue to climb the ladder as a champion. I'm excited to see what the future holds for me.”