Taylah Gentzen: “We have a plan, and we’re going to execute it on the night.”

Taylah Gentzen: “We have a plan, and we’re going to execute it on the night.”

“These are the moments that I stay ready for,” the words of the Australian lightweight contender Taylah Gentzen.

The 35-year-old will travel to England at the end of the month to take on the recently crowned IBF world lightweight champion, Elif Nur Turhan. It is an opportunity that has come somewhat out of the blue, but Gentzen had no hesitation in accepting the fight against the feared Turkish fighter. “This is the pinnacle of boxing and the level every professional dreams of reaching,” Gentzen told FightPost. “You don’t get many calls like this, and when it comes, you don’t hesitate.”

The opportunity to fight for Turhan has come at relatively short notice, but Gentzen isn’t overly concerned about the lack of time to specifically prepare for the fighter she will face at the Newcastle Arena live on DAZN. “Of course, in a perfect world you’d love more time, but this is boxing,” Gentzen told me. “Opportunities don’t wait. This is what we have, and we’re going to give it absolutely everything.”

Gentzen (8-1) told me in April that, “A world title isn’t just a dream. It’s the mission.” A lifelong ambition that could be realised in just a few short weeks. Gentzen knows what a victory would mean to her, but also that even bigger fights could come with a win over the undefeated world champion.

“It’s back to the gym and back to life, but as a world champion,” Gentzen relayed to me. “Hugging our daughter and my fiancée, knowing this will feel so much more special. That’s something I’ve dreamed of my whole life and worked toward for years. It opens the door to bigger fights, better opponents, and the journey toward becoming a unified champion begins.”

Elf Nur Turhan is unbeaten in twelve fights and is coming off a career-changing victory over the previously unbeaten Beatriz Ferreira, a win that earned her the IBF bauble. Gentzen is respectful of her next opponent, but is confident of inflicting the first defeat on Turhan’s resume.

“I have a lot of respect for her, the same respect I have for any professional boxer who steps into the ring. I understand the sacrifice this sport demands. She’s earned her reputation, she’s a big puncher, and she’s beaten some very good opponents. That’s why she’s number one. But we have a plan, and we’re going to execute it on the night.”

Gentzen has only lost to Shauna Browne in nine professional fights, and since Browne edged their fight last year by a split-decision, Gentzen has rebounded with two wins on the bounce. But her opponent in a few weeks is probably the breakthrough fighter from 2025.

Turhan is coming off four consecutive stoppage victories, and only four of her twelve opponents have seen the final bell. That big-punching reputation is most definitely deserved. The recent 5th round stoppage victory over Ferreira was her big coming-out moment. But Gentzen appears to be relishing the prospect of facing someone with that kind of reputation.

“It doesn’t bother me,” Gentzen said when I asked if her opponent’s power is a concern to her. “It’s something we’ve prepared for. Power is part of her style, and I’ve been around a long time; I’ve faced big punchers before.”

“People know my style,” Gentzen added. “It’s awkward. It’s uncomfortable. I guess everyone will just have to tune in and watch.”