Former two-division world titleholder Miyo Yoshida is now a promotional free agent, she announced on Saturday.
“My promotional agreement with DiBella Entertainment has been officially terminated,” Yoshida posted on social media. “I am deeply grateful for the opportunities, experiences and invaluable lessons I have received up to this point.”
When Yoshida signed with Lou DiBella’s company in late 2022, she was coming off losing her WBO belt at 115lbs for the second time.
Yoshida initially won the vacant title in 2019 and made one successful defense before losing a technical decision to Tomoko Okuda in December 2020. Yoshida won a narrow split decision over Okuda in their June 2021 rematch but then lost a split decision to Tamao Ozawa in May 2022.
After fighting her entire professional career to date in her native Japan, Yoshida made her U.S. debut in New York City in April 2023, taking a majority decision over the 6-6-2 Indeya Rodriguez. The next bout didn’t go as well. Yoshida moved up to 118lbs and lost a unanimous decision to Shurretta Metcalf in November 2023.
But one month later, Yoshida outpointed Ebanie Bridges to win the IBF bantamweight belt. Alas, her third title reign ended with its first defense in an October 2024 rematch with Metcalf, once again via unanimous decision. Yoshida last fought a little more than a year ago, outpointing the 5-5 Beata Dudek. She is now 18-5 (0 KOs).
Yoshida is ranked No. 1 at bantamweight by the IBF. And that has her in position to challenge Cherneka Johnson, 19-2 (8 KOs), for all four major world titles.
“A new chapter begins from here. I am fully focused on the challenges that lie ahead,” Yoshida wrote. “The IBF has ordered a title defense for unified bantamweight champion Cherneka Johnson against me, the number one ranked contender in the division. I look forward to reclaiming the world title once again.”
Her time with DiBella appears to have ended cordially.
“Lou, thank you so much for everything you’ve done for us. I’m truly grateful that you gave my daughter and me the opportunity to pursue our dreams in New York,” she wrote.
DiBella responded: “That means a lot. Thank you, Miyo. You and your daughter know that I am always in your corner. Much love.”
David Greisman, who has covered boxing since 2004, is on Twitter @FightingWords2. David’s book, “Fighting Words: The Heart and Heartbreak of Boxing,” is available on Amazon.
