Top puncher Elif Nur Turhan will hit Newcastle later this month
2025’s breakout female fighter is headed right back into the fray, as Matchroom announced that Elif Nur Turhan will defend her IBF lightweight title against Taylah Gentzen on the January 31st Bakhram Murtazaliev vs Josh Kelly undercard.
Turhan (12-0, 8 KO) enjoyed a fairly unremarkable career on the European circuit before blowing away undefeated Shauna Browne just 47 seconds into their March showdown. The win earned Turhan a Matchroom contract and another crack at an undefeated opponent, which saw her stop Rima Ayadi in hostile territory. In her most impressive feat yet, she ended the year by knocking out two-time Olympic medalist Beatriz Ferreira in violent fashion.
Unsurprisingly for a >2-month turnaround, Gentzen (8-1, 3 KO) is definitely a more modest opponent, sporting a split decision loss to Browne and a slew of wins over middling competition in her native Australia. Still, always god to see a champ stay active.
Newcastle Arena will also see Josh Padley face Jaouad Belmehdi for the European super featherweigth title
Category: General Sports
