IPSWICH boxer Taylah Gentzen is set to step onto the biggest stage of her career, signing a contract to fight for the IBF World Title against reigning pound-for-pound number one Elif Nur Turhan.
The bout will take place on a blockbuster Matchroom Boxing card in Newcastle, UK – a career-defining opportunity that has arrived with just three weeks’ notice.
When the call came, Gentzen said it felt surreal – but only briefly.
“I’ve been manifesting a world title opportunity for a long time,” she said.
“This is the pinnacle of the sport. This is what every fighter dreams of. There’s nowhere higher to go.”
The opportunity has been years in the making, built on belief, resilience and the backing of her long-time support network, including Mick, Matt and the team at Tasman Fighters.
Gentzen’s journey to a world title shot hasn’t followed an easy or traditional path. For 15 years, she has fought not only in the ring, but through the realities faced by many Australian athletes – balancing full-time work, family life and the demands of elite-level training.
“It’s been a long grind,” she said. “There have been incredible highs and some heartbreaking lows.”
Training twice a day while managing life outside boxing has tested her resolve, but Gentzen credits her fiancée as a constant source of strength.
“I’m grateful to have an amazing fiancée who has always supported my dreams,” she said.
“Never give in. Never give up isn’t just a saying for me – it’s how I live.”
Despite the short notice, Gentzen believes the timing is right.
A planned rest and recovery period over Christmas allowed her body and mind to reset, leaving the focus now firmly on execution.
“Now it’s about sharpening, zoning in on timing, precision, and executing the game plan we want to bring into the ring.”
She heads into the contest as the underdog against Turhan, who brings a strong knockout record and the confidence of a reigning world champion.
“She’s a big puncher. Extremely strong, with genuine knockout power,” Gentzen said.
“I respect that, but respect doesn’t mean fear.”
Proud to represent Ipswich, Australia and women’s boxing on the world stage, Gentzen sees the fight as bigger than one night or one belt.
“Anyone who steps into that ring carries their own story, their own battles, their own sacrifices.”
