Boxing Match Preview: Joel Iriarte (7-0-0, 0 KOs) vs. Yusuph Metu (11-2-0, 7 KOs)

This bout pits an undefeated American technician against a hard-hitting Tanzanian prospect in a classic boxer vs. puncher matchup.

Fighter Breakdown

Joel Iriarte

Age: 22

Height/Reach: 6’1″ / 74″

Stance: Orthodox

Hometown: Bakersfield, California

Strengths:

Tall, rangy boxer with excellent fundamentals

Maintains distance well with a sharp jab

Calm under pressure and fights with maturity beyond his years

Concerns:

No knockouts in 7 wins—lacks finishing power

Hasn’t faced a puncher like Metu yet

May struggle if forced into a brawl

Recent Form:
Iriarte is coming off a unanimous decision win over Marcos Jimenez in April 2025, showcasing clean shot selection and ring generalship.

Path to Victory: Stick to the outside, use his reach, and frustrate Metu with movement and volume.

Yusuph “Mr. Mwanza” Metu

Age: 22

Height: 5’8″

Stance: Orthodox

Hometown: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Strengths:

Explosive power with 7 KOs in 11 wins

Aggressive, front-foot style

Confident and unafraid to take risks

Concerns:

Shorter reach and height disadvantage

Has been inconsistent—2 losses in last 5 fights

May struggle with Iriarte’s movement and jab

Recent Form:
Metu has alternated wins and losses, most recently earning a decision win in March 2025. He’s looking to build momentum on U.S. soil.

Path to Victory: Close the distance early, work the body, and test Iriarte’s chin with looping power shots.

X-Factors

Style Clash: Iriarte’s finesse vs. Metu’s firepower

Venue: Iriarte will have the California crowd behind him

Stakes: A win could launch either fighter into the top 50 welterweight rankings