Alycia Baumgardner cemented her status as the premier lightweight in women’s boxing on Sunday, delivering a commanding performance to dethrone Elif Nur Turhan and claim the IBF lightweight championship. The American, who previously held the undisputed belt at super-featherweight, made a seamless transition to the 135-pound division, overwhelming the Turkish champion with technical precision and relentless pressure. The fight was a one-sided affair, with all three judges scoring the bout 120-90 in favor of Baumgardner, reflecting her total control over every round of the twelve-round contest.
Undisputed champion closes in on Dubois unification bout after sweeping 120-90 victory
The victory marked a significant turning point for both fighters, as Nur Turhan suffered her first professional loss, ending her unbeaten record and relinquishing her IBF title. For Baumgardner, the win was a crucial strategic move, solidifying her position as the mandatory challenger and bringing her one step closer to a highly anticipated unification showdown with Britain’s Caroline Dubois. By capturing this belt, Baumgardner has effectively cleared the path for a fight that is expected to become the next major event in the division, uniting the remaining major titles under one champion.
The post-fight atmosphere was charged with anticipation, highlighted by a notable exchange between the two top contenders. Dubois, watching from ringside, engaged directly with Baumgardner following the main event, a scene that mirrored a similar interaction from August when Baumgardner addressed Dubois after the British fighter’s victory over Amelia Moore. This direct communication signals the intensifying hype surrounding the potential unification bout, with both camps now focused on finalizing terms for what promises to be a blockbuster clash between the division’s two most dominant forces.
Source: The Independent Sport
