Alycia Baumgardner has added another major achievement to her boxing career, defeating Elif Nur Turhan by unanimous decision to capture the IBF lightweight world title and become a two-division world champion.
The American delivered an impressive performance against the previously undefeated Turkish fighter, demonstrating her technical ability and experience to secure a convincing victory over 10 rounds at the College Park Center in Arlington, Texas.
Baumgardner controlled much of the contest with her speed, accuracy and ability to manage distance, making it difficult for Turhan to establish the aggressive approach that has helped define her fighting style.
Turhan entered the contest with a reputation as a dangerous puncher, but Baumgardner showed composure under pressure and consistently found opportunities to land clean shots.
The challenger also had her moments, particularly when attempting to bring the fight into close exchanges. However, Baumgardner’s superior boxing skills allowed her to maintain control as the rounds progressed.
All three judges scored the contest 100-90 in Baumgardner’s favour, confirming a dominant unanimous decision victory.
The result marks another significant milestone for Baumgardner, who previously established herself as one of the leading names in women’s boxing through her achievements in the super-featherweight division.
Having already reached undisputed status at 130 pounds, her move up to lightweight presented a new challenge against a champion who had yet to experience defeat as a professional.
However, Baumgardner successfully answered that challenge, adding the IBF lightweight championship to her list of accomplishments.
For Turhan, the defeat represents the first setback of her professional career. Despite losing her unbeaten record, she showed determination by going the full distance against one of the sport’s most accomplished female fighters.
Baumgardner’s victory also creates interesting possibilities for the lightweight division, particularly with other world champions competing for recognition at 135 pounds.
Her immediate achievement, however, is clear: she has conquered another division and strengthened her position among the leading fighters in women’s boxing.
With the IBF lightweight title now in her possession, attention will turn to what comes next for Baumgardner as she looks towards further championship opportunities and the possibility of unifying the lightweight division.
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