TAYLAH Gentzen stepped back into the ring on Friday night for the most significant fight of her professional career – a shot at the vacant WBA Oceania Lightweight Title.
For Gentzen, the bout was not only a chance to reclaim the belt she vacated when returning to the amateur ranks, but also a pivotal step towards her ultimate goal of a world title.
In the opposite corner stood Italy’s Nadiona (Nadia) Flalhi, a seasoned international fighter with national team experience and an international Games campaign under her belt.
The contest went the full distance, with Gentzen’s relentless pace and technical precision earning her a unanimous points victory.
The win cements her position as one of the top lightweight contenders in the region and moves her closer to global recognition.
“I’m not here for easy fights – I’ll face anyone in the world,” Gentzen said.
“My opponent was a top international fighter – long, technical, and exactly what I expected. She brought an awesome fight.
“This hasn’t been an overnight success; it’s taken 14 years of grit, sacrifice, and relentless work.
“I’m not just chasing the title of Australia’s best lightweight – I’m here to prove I belong among the best in the world.”
Gentzen, originally from Werribee in Victoria and now based in Ipswich, has quickly risen through the professional ranks since turning pro in 2023.
Her record stands at 7 wins, 1 loss, and 3 knockouts, with her only defeat coming via a razor-thin split decision to Shauna Browne earlier this year – a loss that has since fuelled her comeback.
With over 60 amateur bouts and her role as a member of the Australian Defence Force at Amberley, Gentzen brings exceptional discipline, conditioning and fight IQ to every contest.
Her lead coach, Jessica Cashman of Ipswich City Boxing Club, worked with Ipswich local coach Corey O’Connel, who was lead in Gentzen’s corner on the night.
“For the gym, it’s the continued philosophy of ‘never give up, never give in’,” Cashman said.
“Taylah is the epitome of ‘dust yourself off, pick yourself up, and hit back hard – times 10’.
