The unique development of world title challenger Shuretta Metcalf

Bantamweight Shurretta Metcalf’s boxing journey didn’t begin in Olympic gyms or under bright lights—it started in nightclubs, where cash was tossed into the ring as she fought for survival and respect. Now, the Dallas-based fighter Metcalf stands on the verge of a career-defining moment: a rematch for the IBF bantamweight world title against three-time champion Miyo Yoshida on Wednesday at The Theater at Madison Square Garden, broadcast live on ProBox TV.

Metcalf, 13-4-1 (2 KOs), has defied the odds since the beginning. Starting a pro career with three losses from five is often the kiss of death in boxing, but Metcalf’s story is far from typical. With limited amateur experience, she came up through unsanctioned, underground fights—much like the street-fighting legends of Kimbo Slice and Jorge Masvidal. Her raw, no-nonsense style earned her tough fights as a professional and local respect, but national recognition has remained elusive—until now.

“This fight means everything to me,” Metcalf told BoxingScene. “I’ve been waiting for this opportunity for so long. I was her mandatory for the title, but it felt like she didn’t want to fight me at first.”

In November, Metcalf, 39, handed Yoshida a unanimous decision loss. Yoshida,17-4 and a three-time world champion across two weight classes, bounced back by defeating Ebanie Bridges last December to reclaim the title. Despite Metcalf being the mandatory challenger, Yoshida initially indicated she had other plans.

“I remember reading in the media that she wasn’t planning on fighting me,” Metcalf said. “How could she say that when we’re signed to the same promoter and I’m her mandatory?”

Metcalf is coming into this rematch with something to prove. “I’m not going to be the same fighter she faced last time,” Metcalf said. “I kept her on the outside in our first fight, but this time, I want to hurt her more. I’ve improved. My power’s there, and I’m ready to make a statement.

“I’ve been calling out top fighters for years, but I was always seen as a high-risk, low-reward opponent.”

Her road to the top is unique in another way. “I didn’t have much of an amateur background—maybe 12 fights,” she explained. “I came from underground boxing, so I was used to making money when I fought. When they offered me a chance to go pro, I took it and learned on the job.”

Looking back, Metcalf posted a video on social media showing her early days. “I was in the club, no training, just fighting and beating people up [in unsanctioned night club fights]. Boxing training made it easier—I developed my boxing IQ, and now, I’m a much better fighter.”

With the world title in her sights, Metcalf has come a long way from those unsanctioned brawls. “I’m coming to make a statement, on October 23, they’ll know who I am.”” Metcalf said.

Lucas Ketelle is a proud member of the Boxing Writers Association of America and author of “Inside The Ropes of Boxing” (available on Amazon). Contact him on X @LukieBoxing.