ARLINGTON, Texas — Alycia Baumgardner has conquered another weight division, and the newly crowned lightweight world champion is already making it clear that one championship belt won’t be enough.
Baumgardner delivered a dominant performance Sunday night at College Park Center in Arlington, Texas, defeating previously unbeaten Elif Nur Turhan by unanimous decision to capture the IBF lightweight championship and become a two-division world champion. All three judges scored the 10-round contest 100-90 in favor of Baumgardner, who improved her professional record to 19-1 with seven knockouts.
The victory marked another significant achievement for the 32-year-old Ohio native, who previously established herself as one of women’s boxing’s premier fighters at junior lightweight.
But following her latest championship triumph, Baumgardner made it clear that she has even bigger ambitions.
“I am the face of women’s boxing,” Baumgardner declared following the victory. “I stepped up. I knew she hit hard. I came out victorious, and I’m thankful. It takes a lot of work to get here, and I’m a two-time world champ.”
Baumgardner Puts on a Boxing Clinic
Despite entering the contest as a heavy favorite, Baumgardner faced an opponent known for her aggressive approach and punching power. Turhan entered the bout undefeated with eight knockouts in 14 professional victories, presenting a potentially dangerous challenge for a fighter moving into a higher weight class.
However, Baumgardner quickly demonstrated why she remains one of the most technically skilled fighters in women’s boxing. Using her superior footwork, timing and counterpunching ability, Baumgardner consistently controlled the distance and prevented Turhan from establishing her preferred offensive rhythm.
The former junior lightweight champion relied on an effective jab and sharp right hands to disrupt the Turkish fighter’s attacks. Whenever Turhan attempted to close the distance and unload powerful combinations, Baumgardner responded with precise counters and movement.
The result was a one-sided contest in which Baumgardner controlled nearly every meaningful exchange. According to CompuBox, Baumgardner landed 195 punches compared to just 50 for Turhan. The significant difference in offensive production reflected Baumgardner’s ability to dictate the pace while neutralizing her opponent’s power.
Caroline Dubois Confronts Baumgardner After Victory
The drama didn’t end when the judges announced their scores. Immediately following Baumgardner’s victory, undefeated WBO lightweight champion Caroline Dubois approached the newly crowned IBF champion at ringside.
The confrontation added another chapter to a developing rivalry between two of the division’s most prominent fighters. Baumgardner and Dubois have exchanged words publicly since August, following Dubois’ victory over Amelia Moore in Birmingham, England.
Their rivalry has continued building as both fighters pursue championship opportunities at lightweight. Dubois, who holds a professional record of 14-0 with five knockouts, is scheduled to face undefeated WBA champion Stephanie Han in a lightweight title unification bout in February.
Han enters that matchup with a 13-0 record and three knockouts. While the possibility of a Baumgardner-Dubois showdown has generated interest, Baumgardner reminded her rival that she still has unfinished business.
“What’s next is undisputed, like I did at 130 pounds,” Baumgardner said. “Dubois, listen, you’ve got a champion in front of you in Han.”
The comments reflected Baumgardner’s determination to collect every major championship at lightweight rather than settle for individual title defenses.
Raiders Self-Destruct Against 49ers as Five Second-Half Turnovers Fuel 38-17 Defeat
Welcome to Dice City Sports — where we provide premium, exclusive, up-to-date news and analysis surrounding the Las Vegas sports scene. Follow along on social media, and check back for new articles daily!
Robert LaMar is a Deputy Editor for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X via @RobertLaMar26
