Miyo Yoshida is able to settle the rating — and this time, it is private.
On Wednesday, the 36-year-old Yoshida will defend her IBF bantamweight world title in a rematch towards Shurretta Metcalf at The Theater at Madison Sq. Backyard, broadcast dwell on ProBox TV. It’s a struggle that guarantees fireworks, with Yoshida seeking to reclaim the higher hand after Metcalf’s unanimous determination victory eventually yr’s Heroes on the Hudson.
Yoshida, 17-4, has endured a bumpy street to her third world title reign in her second weight class. The New York-based Japanese fighter has gone 3-3 in her final six bouts, however that document hardly tells the total story. Final December, she stepped in at brief discover to face Ebanie Bridges on the Regis Prograis-Devin Haney undercard in San Francisco. Initially set to face Avril Mathie, Bridges as a substitute discovered herself dealing with a hungry Yoshida, who seized the chance and claimed a unanimous determination win—simply weeks after dropping to Metcalf.
For Yoshida, this struggle is about greater than defending her belt. “There’s undoubtedly a component of revenge for me,” Yoshida advised BoxingScene. “I’ll method it very similar to the final one, however with extra focus and willpower. Successful this time can be an necessary step for my profession.”
Metcalf, 13-4-1 (2 KOs), in the meantime, is unbeaten in her final 4 fights and signed with DiBella Leisure after defeating Melissa Odessa Parker in July. The 39-year-old Metcalf from Dallas is coming again to the ring with one objective: to dethrone Yoshida once more.
Yoshida has embraced a development mindset heading into the rematch. “I deal with each struggle as a battle towards myself,” Yoshida mentioned. “I ask, how a lot can I surpass myself from the final time? Though I’m now a three-time world champion throughout two weight lessons, I’m nonetheless seeking to develop—not simply as a fighter, however as a human being.”
This struggle additionally carries weight past the person. With talks of a event to crown an undisputed ladies’s bantamweight champion, this bout might be a stepping stone towards that bigger objective—even when the event continues to be in limbo. For Yoshida, it’s about creating alternatives for the following era of feminine fighters. “I wish to create thrilling fights and maintain feminine boxers lively,” Yoshida mentioned. “I hope this units a regular for different feminine divisions.”
