Metcalf to face top-ranked Russian in Times Square

Brent Metcalf has traveled the world because of wrestling.

The sport has provided an opportunity to compete at places he wouldn't normally visit.

The next stop is the bustling crowds and bright lights of Times Square.

Metcalf will be one of 11 American wrestlers to compete Wednesday in Beat The Streets Team USA vs. The World international dual in New York City. Metcalf will face European champion and FILA's top-ranked Magomed Kurbanaliev, of Russia, in a freestyle 143-pound match. The dual will be televised on NBC Sports Network, airing after the completion of NHL playoff series Game 4 between the Pittsburgh Penguins and New York Rangers.

Metcalf previously wrestled in a Beat The Streets event held on the USS Intrepid, a naval aircraft carrier transformed into the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum Complex.

'I probably would have never been to Times Square ever. I'd never go there,” Metcalf said Monday afternoon before flying out for Tuesday's weigh-in and Wednesday's match. 'From that point of view, I think it's a great opportunity. It's another stage to perform on and I enjoy it.”

Beat The Streets is a non-profit group dedicated to developing the full human and athletic potential of the urban youth and to strengthen the culture of New York City wrestling. It raises funds to support 140 youth programs and more than 3,000 athletes.

'It's fun, exciting and different,” Metcalf said. 'I don't know if wrestling outside when it could be 40 degrees is ideal, but as far as I'm concerned, and what is most important, it's for a good cause.”

Many mistake the locations as a leisure trip. Metcalf won't be touring NYC and sightseeing. He is all business with a chance to enjoy the surroundings and other matches after he wrestles.

'People say you get to travel to all these places,” Metcalf said. 'Yeah, it's neat, but all we see is the wrestling room and the sauna. ... Up until that moment, you're in your zone and getting ready to wrestle,”

Metcalf anticipated a bout against the defending world champion, but the returning bronze medalist and current top-ranked wrestler will be a formidable foe. Kurbanaliev has had success since the last time they met under the old rules, where Metcalf won, 0-1, 5-0, 5-0.

'It's a great measuring stick for myself to see where I'm at,” Metcalf said. 'It's a good opportunity to beat a high-level guy.”

Metcalf, the current U.S. World Team member who was a two-time NCAA champion and three-time national finalist for the University of Iowa, comes off an impressive U.S. Open. He dominated the field, outscoring four opponents, 39-0, with three technical falls. He has been recharging batteries since as the 2014 World Team Trials approach. They will be held May 31-June 1 in Madison, Wis.

'Just a little bit of down time, getting myself to feel fresh and hit a few areas where this guy is good at,” Metcalf said. 'Again, I like to focus on me and the things I am good at so just continue to work and build.

'This is an exhibition match and what it is all about is he next phase on June 1.”

l Comments: (319) 368-8679; kj.pilcher@sourcemedia.net