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Elif Nur Turhan Named Sporting News Women's Fighter of the Year, Sets Jan. 31 Title Defense

The IBF lightweight champion accelerated her rise with a December stoppage of Olympic medalist Beatriz Ferreira.

Overview

  • Turhan will defend her IBF lightweight title against Taylah Gentzen on January 31 in Newcastle, England, on the Murtazaliev vs. Kelly undercard.
  • The champion enters 12-0 with 8 knockouts after claiming the belt by stopping Beatriz Ferreira in December.
  • Gentzen is 8-1 with 3 knockouts and is viewed as a modest first challenger following Turhan’s breakthrough year.
  • Matchroom placed the bout at Newcastle Arena to keep Turhan active on a high-profile card with additional regional title fights.
  • Turhan’s 2025 surge also earned her ESPN year-end recognition, including a top-10 pound-for-pound ranking.