Miyo Yoshida credits her success to her close-knit team, led by manager Keith Sullivan, as she prepares to defend her IBF bantamweight title this Wednesday night at The Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
The three-time, two-division world titleholder Yoshida 17-4 will face No. 1 contender Shurretta “Chiccn” Metcalf 13-4-1 (2 KOs), seeking both a title defense and revenge for a previous loss.
The Yoshida vs. Metcalf bout headlines “Heroes on the Hudson 2,” presented by DiBella Entertainment and broadcast live on ProBoxTV. The 10-round main event, part of the Broadway Boxing series, celebrates and supports U.S. Armed Forces veterans ahead of Veterans Day.
A year ago, Metcalf handed Yoshida a 10-round unanimous decision loss in the first “Heroes on the Hudson” event. However, just a month later, Yoshida pulled off an upset by defeating IBF Bantamweight Champion Ebanie Bridges in San Francisco to win her third world title.
“Everything changed when I received the offer two weeks before the world title I won,” Yoshida said. “I want to take revenge and increase my value. I can learn from my losses, so this result will be different.”
Yoshida acknowledges her respect for Metcalf’s tenacity, noting their shared experience as single mothers. However, she’s determined to avenge her defeat.
Yoshida also credits much of her growth to her New York-based team, including head trainer Jimmy Sosa, assistant trainer Aurelinna, strength coach Sergie Korchynskyy, and manager Sullivan.
“The Sosas are like a father to me, and Sergie is like my brother,” Yoshida said. “Keith is my manager, and he understands my struggles as a single mother in a foreign country.”
Sullivan, who also manages top contenders like Paddy Donovan and Nisa Rodriguez, praised Yoshida’s professionalism and drive.
“This fight has great drama because of her loss in their first bout, followed by Miyo winning the world title just a month later,” Sullivan said. “It’s a Do Not Miss fight, and I’m hopeful this tournament will be a blueprint for other female divisions.”
Yoshida vs. Metcalf launches the Great 8 Tournament to crown the undisputed women’s bantamweight champion.
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